Stafford deaf cyclist takes on entire Tour de France Femmes route after mum's blood cancer diagnosis

In August 2026, Laura Ganderton, a deaf amateur cyclist from Stafford, will ride every stage of the Tour de France Femmes route, cycling one day ahead of the professional race as part of The Route 2026 challenge.
 
The challenge will see Laura cover more than 1,000 kilometres across France, tackling the same mountains, climbs and demanding stages as the world's best female cyclists. Alongside 15 other inspiring amateur female riders from around the world, she will complete the entire route before the professionals arrive, raising money for the blood cancer charity Cure Leukaemia.
 
The route Laura will tackle is far from an ordinary cycling event. Starting in Lausanne in Switzerland and finishing in Nice, France, the 2026 Tour de France Femmes route is the longest and hardest Tour to date and includes some of the toughest climbs in professional cycling, including the legendary Mont Ventoux, known as the "Giant of Provence."

Often regarded as one of the most challenging mountains in world cycling, Mont Ventoux rises to 1,909 metres and has tested generations of the men’s Tour de France riders. In the 2026 race, it will see the women’s peloton climb it for the first time as it forms the Queen Stage – traditionally the hardest and most decisive stage of the entire Tour.
 
With its exposed lunar-like landscape, relentless gradients and often extreme heat and winds, Ventoux is a climb that professional cyclists approach with respect. Laura will be tackling the same ascent just 24 hours before the world's best female cyclists arrive.

"As an amateur rider, the thought of climbing Mont Ventoux is both exciting and intimidating,"

Laura said.
 
For Laura, this challenge is about far more than cycling.
 
The cause became deeply personal when her mum was diagnosed with blood cancer last year.

"Watching someone you love go through cancer changes your perspective on life,"

Laura said.

"You see first-hand the fear, uncertainty and emotional impact it has on patients and their families.

"Thankfully, because of advances in treatment and care, my mum received the support she needed. I know not every family is as fortunate, which is why I wanted to do something meaningful to help."

Cure Leukaemia funds specialist research nurses and clinical trials across the UK, helping patients gain access to potentially life-saving treatments that might otherwise not be available.
 
Laura hopes to raise £10,000 to support the charity's work, specifically to help children with blood cancer by raising funds for the ATICUS Network enabling all children to receive life saving clinical trials no matter where they live in the UK.
 
What makes the challenge even more remarkable is that Laura is not a professional athlete.

"I am just an ordinary woman taking on an extraordinary challenge,"

she said.

"The Tour de France Femmes route is one of the hardest cycling events in the world and there will be moments when it feels incredibly tough (part way up Ventoux!).

"But when I think about what blood cancer patients and their families face every day, my challenge feels small in comparison. If cycling across France
can help make a difference, then every mile will be worth it."

 
As a deaf cyclist and hearing aid wearer, Laura has faced challenges throughout her life and sporting journey. However, she believes those experiences have helped shape the resilience needed to take on such an ambitious goal.

"Being deaf has taught me that obstacles don't have to define what you can achieve,"

she said.

"I've learned the importance of determination, adaptability and asking for support when needed. "I hope this challenge shows that whatever barriers people face, incredible things are possible when you believe in yourself and keep moving forward." 

Training for the event has already involved countless hours in the saddle, early mornings, long rides and pushing beyond her comfort zone. Over the coming months, Laura will continue preparing for what will be one of the biggest challenges of her life. Laura explains that she would not be able to commit to training for this challenge without the unwavering support and belief of her
partner Chris.
 
She hopes her journey will not only raise funds for blood cancer research but also inspire others to support a cause that affects thousands of families every year.

"Every donation, no matter the size, will help fund research and treatments that give children and their families hope,"

she said.

All the riders pay their own costs so every penny goes to Cure Leukaemia.

"If my ride can help even one family facing blood cancer in the future, it will have been worth every pedal stroke."

Laura visited Birminghams Children’s Hospital and saw first hand the work of the doctors and nurses treating children with blood cancer.

“It was a very humbling experience and being able to fundraise to help
these children is an honour”

Laura said.
 
How You Can Support Laura Laura is aiming to raise £10,000 for Cure Leukaemia ahead of her Tour de France Femmes challenge.

Donations can be made via her JustGiving page:

justgiving.com/page/laura-ganderton

You can also follow Laura's training journey and challenge updates on Instagram:
@lganderton