In June this year, our Account Lead Kate Gordon joined Club Peloton’s Legal & General Real Assets pedElle 2019 – a 400km cycle ride from Siena to Rome. Kate accompanied 48 women from the property industry in their challenge to cover the distance and the climbs over a three-day period and raise as much money as possible for children’s charity Coram, and Club Peloton’s other charity beneficiaries.

Keen to know more? Here’s a closer look at the need-to-knowdetails…

Day One

Day one started with a hearty breakfast on the hotel balconyfollowed by a quick photo call before the group rolled out of Siena and intothe picturesque countryside. The ride was broken up into three stages, each onefull of challenging climbs especially in temperatures rising to themid-thirties. Roadside cheers from local vineyard workers helped keep spiritshigh, as did a traditional Italian lunch, which provided plenty of fuel for theafternoon’s riding. Arriving into the beautiful historic town of Montepulcianowas a welcome sight after a long day.

Day Two

With temperatures hitting 28° by 11am, thesecond day was another hot one! The morning’s route clocked up 86km with somereally tough climbs in high temperatures. A much-needed lunch break of cheesetagliatelle and profiteroles, helped push the peloton on to the final 30kmstage of the day. The views of Lake Bolensa in the distance were a welcome sightas the riders were treated to a number of thrilling descents on their way tothe hotel, followed by a dip in the lake or the pool (depending on how bravethey were feeling!).D

Day Three

An early start with much cooler temperatures made the morning climbon the final day a much more comfortable experence. There were plenty of tiredlegs but the adrenaline was pumping for the final 145km in the saddle. A changeof landscape and an unexpected thunderstorm made the morning pass quickly,along with a coffee break and amazing apple cake. After lunch it was time forthe final push to Rome, leaving behind the motorcycle outriders and supportcrew as the riders took the 11km cycle path along the river towards Rome. Itwas a pleasant ride, free of traffic, offering the chance to take in theoutskirts of the city.H

Hello Rome!

Arriving in Rome, the group were met by a representative from theBritish Embassy, a local cycle tour group (BiciRoma) and three Polizei. The pelotonwas then given an incredible police escort to the Vatican for a group photocall and celebratory glass of Aperol Spritz! It was a huge achievement for the pedElleriders, having ridden 400km and climbed over 5200m from Siena to Rome overthree hot, gruelling days.

A journey to remember

pedElle was an incredible experience and one that cemented friendships, created a huge sense of camaraderie and raised more than £60,000 for Coram and Club Peloton’s other charity beneficiaries. Congratulations to Kate and all the riders – a fantastic achievement!

See the highlights here:

https://vimeo.com/360541756