Ultima employee grabs Tour de France first

Nicki Aitken is the first female cyclist to ride in 'Le Tour - One Day Ahead' as she helps to raise £1m for Cure Leukaemia

VAR Ultima Business Solutions' Nicki Aitkens is set to be the first female cyclist ever to ride in the Tour de France "Le Tour – One Day Ahead".

Aitken, who is business solutions alliance manager at the firm, will complete all 21 stages – 3,300km – of the Tour de France 2015 one day ahead of the professional riders, while at the same time being one of 20 cyclists helping former England footballer and blood cancer survivor Geoff Thomas to raise £1m for Cure Leukaemia.

The cause is close to her heart after losing her father and grandmother to blood cancer, and Aitken said she has been inspired by Thomas’ previous cycling achievements.

“I’ve always been active, whether competing in athletics, triathlon or duathlon so I’m used to pushing myself hard physically and mentally in training and competition,” she said.

"When I head about Geoff’s challenge I knew this was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I had to be part of, especially as it would help drive a cure for an illness that had affected my family directly. I know it will be a tough challenge and am looking forward to being part of Geoff’s team of fundraisers. I’m less daunted by the physical aspect than the financial challenge of raising £50,000. I’ve received great support from family, friends, colleagues and my community so far and can’t stress how much every pound donated will make a huge impact to finding a cure for blood cancer. Please do support me, if you can.”

Acknowledging Aitken’s participation, Thomas – who was once give three months to live in 2003 after being diagnosed with leukaemia, but who has been in remission since January 2005 – said: "I’m delighted that Nicki has committed to cycling Le Tour – One Day Ahead with me. It’s going to be a tough challenge for all the riders and I’m thrilled that we have a female cyclist on the team.

"Given Nicki’s fitness and competitive spirit, I suspect she will be showing the guys how it’s done. Having seen her father and grandmother die from blood cancer I know that she will be a dedicated and confident rider who will help all of us achieve our goal – not just to complete the ride, but to raise £1m for Cure Leukaemia.”

To support Nicki through much-needed sponsorship, visit her JustGiving page here.