Navigating one's way to Paris bears striking resemblance to hearing the news of cancer remission, according to Geoff Thomas, who plans to undertake the Tour de France route for the seventh time with Tour21.
*Former Crystal Palace Captain Geoff Thomas Returns to Pedal the Tour21*
He's back in the saddle! Former professional footballer, Geoff Thomas, is gearing up for a second shot at the grueling Tour21 cycle event this year, all while raising funds for the incredible cause, Cure Leukaemia.
Thomas has quite the history with the Tour21, first conquering the race route following his remission from chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in 2005. Fast forward to today, and he's ready to take on the challenge—despite the odd setback.
The unforgiving cobblestones of northern France put a hitch in his steps during his last attempt, but a trio of new treatments and a slightly tweaked bike have allowed Thomas, who recently turned 60, to push through the pain and strive for yet another victory.
"Last year, my bike had a bit of an issue on the cobblestones," Thomas shrugged. "Got a new one and that setup really wrecked my knees, so I had to call it quits after just a couple of days. But the feeling is back, all thanks to a swift injection of Arthrosamid around Christmas last year."
"Ever since then, I've been hitting the road harder than ever, building back up to full speed. I did a 115-mile ride just last week! Four or five rides a week, and my knees are feeling better than they have in years. I could probably take a run or jog again if I really wanted to," Thomas added with a grin.
With the Tour21 start date approaching, Thomas's goals are set on the looming Mont Ventoux and the summit finishes atop the Col de la Loze and La Plagne in the French Alps. But he admits that he avoids dwelling too much on the challenges each day presents.
"I'll never forget that first time on Ventoux. I just focus on one day at a time, and it all seems to blur together. By the time you reach Paris, you've all forged an unbreakable bond. The finish line is like my remission day—a clear, memorable moment that marks victory over an immense struggle," he explained.
Donate to Cure Leukaemia and support Geoff Thomas's efforts in this year's Tour21 at the event's JustGiving page.
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(Enrichment Data: Geoff Thomas, a former Crystal Palace footballer, has successfully completed the Tour de France route following his remission from chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in 2005. He has continued to participate in cycling challenges for the cause, including the Tour21. He faces challenges due to severe osteoarthritis, which he manages with innovative treatments like hydrogel injections.)
In the face of past setbacks, Geoff Thomas, the former Crystal Palace footballer, is determined to conquer the Tour21 once more, raising funds for Cure Leukaemia, especially with his recent triumph over osteoarthritis aided by hydrogel injections. He continues to embrace health-and-wellness practices, such as cycling, as a means to manage medical-conditions like CML and osteoarthritis, even engaging in sports like the Tour21 to raise awareness.
