Paul Cowleson: Apprehensive but looking foward to the challenge. Picture by Collette Bisson (00731099)

A JERSEY cyclist is to race along a stage of the Tour de France.

The Etape du Tour is open to members of the public to ride and follows the exact route of stage 20 of the main event.

Paul Cowieson (48) first became interested in the sport when he started cycling to work to get fit and to be kinder on the environment. ‘I couldn’t handle the traffic congestion we have in Jersey, so I decided to start cycling around 18 months ago,’ he said.

He bought a streamlined road bike and over the past few months has been training with the Vélo Sport Jersey. ‘I am now concentrating on building up my stamina and endurance,’ said Paul. ‘I’m doing around 200 miles a week. Three mornings a week, I set off at 7 am and do a tour of the Island, going up and down the hills into every single bay.’

As a builder running PDB Builders with Billy McIntosh, Paul also cycles between sites. ‘I have given up smoking, I have cut out alcohol and I am making sure I stick to a healthy diet with lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and salads,’ Paul added. ‘I have lost more than two stone in the last 18 months and I feel much better for it.’

The 172-kilometre Etape du Tour will start on Monday in the city of Montélimar and will include a 21.5-kilometre climb to the summit of Mont Ventoux.

Apart from being a personal challenge, Paul is also planning to use the Etape du Tour as a fund-raiser for Help a Jersey Child. His business partner Billy is helping to collect donations and they hope to reach the target figure of £5,000. This will all go to the charity, as Paul is paying all his own expenses

‘Although I am apprehensive, I am really looking forward to it,’ said Paul. ‘If I make it, I will have a great sense of achievement.’

Cheques made out to Help a Jersey Child can be sent to PDB Builders, Les Louannes, St Peter, JE3 7DA, or call 07797 716526.