Mark Cavendish goes green

Louise Gebbett

29 July 2011

What an achievement - at 26 Mark Cavendish has become the first British winner of the prestigious green jersey in the Tour de France .

Green for leading the points list on this occasion, but still very apt for our Green Blog.

Cavendish is now joint sixth on the all-time list of stage winners, and what better inspiration to get cycling?

I can safely say that I will never be able to complete the 2,131.6 miles of the Tour de France, but with all the hype of the big race, I'm thinking it's about time I challenged myself.

In 2012 Friends of the Earth is holding its first Big Green Bike Ride from London to Edinburgh. At a much more realistic 500 miles, but still a huge challenge for a novice cycler - I think that could be the one for me.

It's set to be a great event, and spread over 6 days there's an option to do the whole thing, or join for a day or two of the route - so even if (like me) you're not quite the next Mark Cavendish, there's still a challenge to suit you.

By taking part you'll also be helping support our vital work - so although you might not get the green jersey, you'll certainly be acting green.

Louise Gebbett, Big Green Bike Ride Team