Adventurers of the Downs
Phil Howard. Chef. Cyclist. Fundraiser.
Michelin-starred chef Phil Howard is taking on one of cycling's toughest challenges. Riding every stage of the Tour de France one week ahead of the professionals to help raise £1 million for Cure Leukaemia. A journey powered by resilience, purpose and determination.
The Man Behind The Challenge
MORE THAN A CHEF.
Phil Howard is best known as one of Britain's most celebrated chefs, building a career defined by excellence, precision and determination. Beyond the kitchen, he is a passionate cyclist, devoted family man and committed fundraiser whose resilience and generosity continue to inspire others. Whether creating award-winning dishes or tackling some of cycling's toughest challenges, Phil approaches everything with purpose, humility and an unwavering drive to make a difference.
Just weeks after celebrating his 60th birthday and witnessing the marriage of his daughter Millie to Jamie, Phil is preparing for one of the toughest endurance challenges in sport. For the second time, he will ride the entire route of the Tour de France one week ahead of the professional peloton.
Culinary Excellence
Michelin Starred
For more than three decades, Phil has been recognised as one of Britain's leading chefs. His pursuit of excellence, attention to detail and passion for hospitality have earned him widespread acclaim.
Still Exploring
Aged 60
Just weeks after celebrating his 60th birthday, Phil is preparing to ride every stage of the Tour de France. A challenge requiring months of training, unwavering commitment and a love of pushing personal boundaries.
Strength Through Adversity
Resilience
Phil has spoken openly about overcoming addiction earlier in life. His journey is one of determination, honesty and resilience. A reminder that some of life's greatest victories happen before the finish line.
The Philanthropist
Riding For Others
This challenge is about more than cycling. Phil is helping raise £1 million for Cure Leukaemia, supporting pioneering treatments and clinical trials that offer hope to patients and families.
METRICS
THE CHALLENGE.
One week before the world's best cyclists set off, Phil and his fellow riders will tackle the entire Tour de France route. Covering every stage, every mountain and every kilometre, this extraordinary challenge tests endurance, determination and resilience while raising vital funds for Cure Leukaemia.
The 2026 Tour de France route leaves little room for recovery. Riders will face the brutal gradients of the Pyrenees, tackle the relentless climbs of the Massif Central and Jura Mountains, before confronting the towering passes of the Alps. Legendary ascents, thin mountain air and over 55,000 metres of climbing await. For Phil and his fellow riders, every summit conquered is another step towards raising vital funds for Cure Leukaemia.
Distance Covered
3,500 km
Elevation Climbed
55,000 m
CALORIES BURNT
126,000
Tour De France Route
21 Stages
BREAKDOWN OF THE FEAT
THE RIDE
Over the course of the challenge, Phil is expected to complete close to one million pedal strokes. Riders commonly take 60 to 120g of carbohydrates per hour on the bike, with elite Tour riders often pushing towards 120g per hour.
Tour 21. Every Stage. Every Climb.
FROM COASTLINES TO COLS
The route traverses the full spectrum of France's terrain. Riders will face the steep gradients of the Pyrenees, the relentless rolling roads of the Massif Central, the technical climbs of the Jura Mountains and the legendary Alpine passes that have shaped cycling history for more than a century.
The challenge extends far beyond the mountains. Riders must contend with searing summer temperatures, sudden storms, strong crosswinds, high mountain descents and the cumulative fatigue that builds day after day. Nutrition, hydration, recovery and mental resilience become just as important as physical strength.
Rising 1,909 metres above Provence, Mont Ventoux stands alone. Its barren upper slopes, fierce winds and relentless gradients have made it one of cycling's most feared climbs. Riders leave the shelter of the forests below before emerging onto a moonscape of white limestone where every pedal stroke is exposed to the elements. For many, Ventoux is the mountain that defines the Tour de France.
Every climb, every descent and every turn of the pedals brings Phil one step closer to supporting Cure Leukaemia and helping accelerate access to life-saving treatments for patients and families around the world.
First Test
The Pyrenees
Steep gradients, long ascents and legendary mountain passes mark the first major test. These rugged peaks have broken many riders before the race has reached its halfway point.
Relentless Terrain
Massif Central
Often overlooked, the Massif Central delivers relentless rolling terrain and punishing climbs. There are few opportunities to recover as the roads rise and fall across central France.
Hidden Challenge
The Jura Mountains
Technical, unpredictable and demanding. The Jura combines steep gradients with narrow roads, requiring concentration and energy when fatigue is already setting in.
Giants Of The Tour
The Alps
Home to some of cycling's most famous climbs. The towering Alpine passes provide the ultimate challenge, with thin air, lengthy ascents and spectacular scenery rewarding every effort.
The Giant Of Provence
Ventoux
Standing alone above Provence, Ventoux is known as the Giant of Provence. Its exposed upper slopes and unpredictable winds make it one of the most feared climbs in professional cycling.
Why It Matters
The cause is personal.
I will be doing it in the memory of my wonderful father in law Bob
Collier. Had his illness been diagnosed now it would be likely for him
to still be here - such is the impressive progress in the effectiveness
of the drugs.
RAISED: £36,000 by Phil | TARGET £1,000,000 for the Tour 21 team.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
£1 Million For Cure Leukaemia
The impact of these advancements is already being felt. Phil's friend and fellow cyclist, Neil Jackson, is living proof of the life-changing results that modern treatment and research can achieve.
What makes this challenge even more remarkable is that every rider personally funds their participation. Every pound donated goes directly to supporting the work of Cure Leukaemia and the patients whose lives depend upon it. For the last six months, Phil has trained six days a week in preparation. The physical demands are immense, but as any adventurer knows, the greatest challenges require purpose. In Phil's case, that purpose is helping others. As Phil prepares to roll out for another journey across France, we at Downton Distillery are proud to recognise not only his athletic achievement, but also his generosity, humility, and commitment to making a difference.
Adventure is not simply about reaching the summit or crossing the finish line. It is about using our abilities, our time, and our passions to improve the lives of others. Phil Howard exemplifies that spirit. We wish Phil and his fellow riders’ safe roads, strong legs, favourable winds, and every success as they take on one of cycling's greatest challenges in support of an extraordinary cause.
If you would like to support Phil's fundraising efforts, please consider making a donation.
Every contribution, regardless of size, helps accelerate access to treatments and offers hope to families affected by leukaemia around the world.
From all of us at Downton Distillery: Ride well, Phil. We are with you every kilometre of the way.
Adventure is not simply about reaching the finish line. It is about using our abilities and passions to make a difference.
Support The Ride
Every Kilometre Counts
Every donation helps accelerate access to potentially life-saving treatments for patients and families affected by leukaemia.