Manitoba cyclist gears up for charity ride covering Tour de France route

Grant Hamilton takes the bikes off the rack and clips on his helmet. He’s preparing for a Sunday bike ride with his wife.

It’s a passion he’s had since he was a kid, despite all the ups and downs.

“I stuck with it. I really, really enjoyed but unfortunately cycling isn’t always the safest,” Hamilton said.

Two years ago Hamilton, who’s from Brandon, Man., was in a bad cycling accident where he lost his pinky finger — an impactful experience that he made the most of.

“It crystalized in me a desire to make cycling even better. I couldn’t wait to get back on the bike and I got really motivated so I spent a lot more time on the bike after that, got a lot more serious about it. Not just cycling but cycling advocacy,” Hamilton said.

While watching the Tour de France, Hamilton learned about a charity ride where cyclists ride the same route as the professionals in support of leukemia research, called The Tour 21.

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He applied to be part of it and was chosen as one of 25 riders from around the world to participate, the lone Canadian in the field.

“Boy I was blown away. It totally changed our plans for the next year,” Hamilton said.

His wife Amy Breen sharing the excitement. She bought a new bike and joins Hamilton on some of his training rides.

“Grant is a dedicated person. When he sets him mind to something, he’s going to do it. So when this challenge came up as an opportunity for him, I though it would be perfect,” Breen said.

Now Hamilton’s focus is on preparing for the grueling 3,500 kilometers he has to ride over a three week span next summer.

“I have to do regular cross training, I have to a bit of endurance training, I have to do a bit of tempo training, as many hills as I can so that I’m ready to tackle it next year. But it’s 4-5 days a week for the next 9 months just riding my bike,” Hamilton said.

On top of that, he’s trying to raise $55,000 for leukemia research — goals he’s gearing up for with a positive mindset.

“The goal is to enjoy it, not endure it,” Hamilton said.

To donate to Hamilton’s cause to get a Canadian tax receipt, visit www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/30925. Select a fund: “Cure Leukemia,” and dedicate your donation in honour of name “Grant Hamilton.”