AN Evesham cyclist has completed the entire 2,100-mile Tour de France route one day ahead of the professionals.

Helen Russell, a member of the Evesham Wheelers club, battled 40C temperatures, brutal ascents and “frightening” mountain-top thunderstorms before a triumphant arrival in Paris under the shadow of the Eiffel Tower on Saturday (July 25).

She has burnt almost 100,000 calories, climbed 40,000 metres and even had 10 stitches in her leg during the epic ride, which has helped raise £650,000 for Cure Leukaemia.

“I’ve been through so many different emotions over the last 21 days”, said Ms Russell.

“It is without doubt the hardest thing that I have ever done but I kept pedalling knowing that each mile would raise more money for clinical trials and research nurses at the QE Hospital in Birmingham.”

She completed the ride alongside a team of 10 other cyclists led by ex-England footballer Geoff Thomas and were joined by Lance Armstrong for two days.

Mr Thomas, who was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia and given just three months to live in 2003, added: “It’s been really tough and even the professionals a day behind us were saying it’s one of the toughest 21 days they’ve been through.”

The team will be welcomed back home with a party at the Victoria Club at Bromsgrove Sporting Football Club on Friday, August 14.

The event will feature an auction of sporting items from stars including West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Ben Foster and the current Commonwealth triathlon champion Jodie Stimpson, as well as music, a buffet and a raffle.

Money raised will support Cure Leukaemia.

For tickets, which cost £10, email onedayaheadparty@yahoo.com or call 07516 375302 or to donate to Ms Russell’s fundraising efforts visit justgiving.com/HelenRussell-LeTour