A BROMSGROVE triathlete star is preparing to take part in a charity challenge along the Tour de France route organised by a Barnt Green resident.

Helen Russell has joined former England footballer Geoff Thomas' Le Tour – One Day Ahead, where the entire Tour de France route is cycled a day ahead of the professional peloton.

Geoff Thomas was diagnosed with leukaemia and given less than three months to live in 2003.

Following treatment from Professor Charlie Craddock, Cure Leukaemia's co-founder and director of the Blood and Marrow Transplant Unit at the Queen Elizabeth (QE) Hospital, Geoff has been in remission since 2005.

Since then, the former Wolves midfielder - patron of the Cure Leukaemia charity - has worked tirelessly to raise money for treatment, research and awareness for blood cancer.

Geoff first organised the challenge in 2005, and wanted to mark 10 years since that challenge.

His latest recruit to this year's event is 39-year-old Helen, a member of the Bromsgrove and Redditch Athletics Club, Birmingham Running, Athletics and Triathlon Club and Evesham Wheelers Cycling Club.

She struck gold at the 2011 World Sprint Duathlon Championships, 2012 European Sprint Duathlon Championships and 2013 European Sprint Triathlon Championships.

Helen, who lost her mum to cancer in 1999, said one of her big motivations was learning there were no female riders on board.

“When I heard what Geoff and his team of riders were doing, I thought it was phenomenal," she said.

"Being a big fan of the Tour de France, I wanted to be involved – particularly as it’s for a cause close to my heart.

"I’ve attended the tour three or four times with my dad, John, but to think I’ll now be attempting to cycle the route one day before the pros, riding the exact same roads they will, it will be such an incredible experience.

“There’s also a campaign to introduce a fully-fledged women’s Tour de France. You often hear it suggested women aren’t strong enough to ride the entire route - a full-length female tour should be considered very seriously.”

There is still time to join Geoff’s peloton this July as a pro-cyclist, with full rolling road closures and support crew and vehicles, one day ahead of the actual Tour de France in July.

For more details visit beforethetour.com.

To make a donation to Helen's fundraising challenge visit justgiving.com/HelenRussell-LeTour.