Struggling with mental health proved more challenging than cycling through the Tour de France for Amy Hudson, who has recently conquered all 21 stages of the legendary race, including transfers, after acquiring her first bicycle four years ago.
In an inspiring display of determination and resilience, Amy Hudson, a former NHS mental health nurse, successfully completed her extraordinary challenge of cycling every stage of the 2025 Tour de France route. This gruelling 6,556 km journey, spanning over 29 days and climbing nearly 75,000 meters in elevation, was undertaken to raise awareness and funds for the mental health charity Shout.
Hudson's motivation for this challenge was deeply personal, stemming from her own struggles with anxiety and burnout. After a breakdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, she was forced to leave her nursing job and faced a sense of not wanting to live. However, cycling became a lifeline for her when her husband gifted her a bike, and her father took her on a long ride in the Peak District for her first ride in ten years. This rekindling of cycling helped her cope and recover.
The journey was not without its challenges. Hudson faced heavy traffic, filled bike lanes with other cyclists, e-bikes, e-scooters, and cars during the final leg of her Tour de France challenge. Despite these obstacles, she persevered, viewing each challenge as a privilege and a choice that helped her reclaim control over her mental well-being.
Throughout the challenge, Hudson consumed approximately 7000 calories a day, fuelled by a combination of almond croissants and cherry juice. Her journey was documented through social media and video diaries, showing both the physical demands and emotional highs and lows, culminating in completing all 21 Tour de France stages in Paris and a profound sense of accomplishment and gratitude for the support she received.
Hudson's Tour de France challenge has raised over £89,000 for Shout, a mental health charity focused on providing support for those struggling with similar issues. Her fundraising and awareness efforts highlight the importance of mental health support and encourage others facing mental health difficulties.
A memorable moment for Hudson was the small moments of beauty she experienced in the Alps and Pyrenees, feeling calm and grateful while cycling alone in nature. Her husband, Kyle, even dressed up as an apple to support her during her final leg into Paris, while her best friend Laura brought a marmot mascot to cheer her on.
You can follow Hudson's cycling adventures on Instagram (@amy.cycling.adventures) and on YouTube, where she documents her journey with the help of her husband, Kyle. If you wish to support her cause, donations can be made to Shout through the provided link. Hudson's Tour de France challenge is a testament to the power of resilience and the healing potential of physical activity in managing mental health struggles.
[1] Amy Hudson's Tour de France Challenge: A Journey of Resilience and Recovery - BBC News [2] Amy Hudson's Tour de France Challenge Raises Over £89,000 for Mental Health Charity - The Guardian [3] Amy Hudson's Emotional Struggles and Triumphs During the Tour de France Challenge - Cycling Weekly [4] Amy Hudson's Tour de France Challenge: The Highs, Lows, and Everything in Between - YouTube [5] Amy Hudson Completes Tour de France Challenge: A Personal Victory Against Anxiety - Huffington Post UK
Science plays a crucial role in understanding and managing Amy Hudson's mental health recovery, as she leverages the health-and-wellness benefits of sports and physical activity to combat her anxiety. In her journey, she negotiates challenges on the Tour de France route, demonstrating a connection between sports and mental health wellness in her personal victory.
The success of Amy Hudson's Tour de France challenge not only showcases her resilience but also raises awareness and funds for mental health initiatives, signifying the intersection of science, health-and-wellness, mental-health, and sports to foster meaningful change.
