Cycling: Lachlan Morton is a crazy guy. We already knew that much beforehand. But now the Australian is going one better. The EF – Nippo pro is currently trying to beat the Tour de France. All alone and without any help, he wants to arrive in Paris in front of the peloton.
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Lachlan Morton drives over 5.000 kilometers
The 108th Tour de France started a week ago on Saturday. Shortly after the tour entourage started, Lachlan Morton also got on his bike. The 29-year-old Australian is under contract with EF – Nippo but is not part of the team's tour squad. Nevertheless, he will cycle from Brittany to Paris - completely alone and without any support! While the pros will cover 3.383 kilometers and 42.200 vertical meters together, Lachlan Morton has an estimated 5.510 kilometers and 65.600 vertical meters ahead of them. Because the Australian will not use motorized transfers, but will cover each section on his bike. And he wants to get to the Champs-Élysées before the pros in Paris. While the pros are currently enjoying their rest day, Lachlan Morton continues to pedal hard. He currently has a driving time of around 114 hours, around 200 percent more than leader Tadej Pogacar. And that is also necessary, because in order to achieve the goal, he has to submit now.
He also has to transport his tent himself
In addition to the almost inhuman tortures on the streets of France over 21 days and well over 5.000 kilometers, Lachlan Morton has set himself the goal of completing the entire Alt Tour without assistance. This means that the Australian also has to transport his tent himself. He is also exposed to the weather conditions and he has to fix any punctures himself. Of course, for a pro like Lachlan Morton, that's not a problem. But it costs time and nerves. No wonder he keeps meeting fans along the way who keep their fingers crossed for him on his way to Paris. So far he has covered 2.822 kilometers at 34.113 meters in altitude. He's still 2.705 kilometers away from Paris. So he's already covered half the distance - and he's even been able to conquer Mont Ventoux.
Everything for a good cause
With all this exertion, one naturally asks the question: Why does he do it? Aside from the fact that Lachlan Morton sees himself less as a professional cyclist and more as an adventurer, and therefore simply enjoys it, the Australian is also torturing himself for a good cause. Sponsors Rapha and EF Education First are donating bicycles to World Bicycle Relief. Every kilometer counts! Fans are also encouraged to donate money. To date, well over 500 bicycles have been donated to young people, who are not only finding their way into cycling but also gaining access to general education. 1.000 In the end, it will be bicycles. Fans, sponsors, and observers have already donated almost $200.000. So the campaign is worthwhile!
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