The Alpe d’HuZes sporting event raised just over 25 million euros this year, a record amount. This is announced by the organization, which promises that all the money will be spent on scientific research into cancer.
Thursday was the nineteenth time that the Alpe d’Huez in the French Alps was conquered. The organization says that almost 5,500 participants climbed the famous mountain from 4:30 am. They did this on foot or by bicycle, a maximum of six times. Money was raised through donations.
In addition to the physical event in France, an indoor variant also took place in Rotterdam Ahoy this year. 517 participants virtually climbed the mountain there.
25 million
So far, 25,020,619 euros have been raised. This also includes a donation of 6 million euros that Rabobank previously made. The final amount of this anniversary edition will be announced in October.
“I look back on a special week and year of racing with enormous pride and gratitude,” says retiring chairman Erik Jutstra of Alpe d’HuZes. “Thanks to the efforts of the participants, the many volunteers, and all donors and sponsors, we have raised this record amount together in our twenty-year existence.”
The first edition of the event took place in 2006. Since then, the organization estimates that between 80,000 and 100,000 people have participated in the event. They climbed the Alpe d’Huez more than 1 million times.
A total of 271 million euros
A total of more than 271 million euros was raised during that time, which, according to the organization, was good for 380 cancer research studies that contributed to better treatments, more knowledge and improving the lives of people with the disease.
The ascent of the Alpe d’Huez starts in Le Bourg d’Oisans. The route is almost 14 kilometers long and has 21 numbered hairpin bends. In total, participants overcome a height of 1061 metres.
Last year the final amount was 19,386,566 euros.
LISTEN ALSO to our daily news podcast Join the conversation with AD
WATCH ALSO to our most popular news videos: