One of France's most popular activities is cycling with thousands of people visiting the country to enjoy its cycle tracks or watch the Tour de France. At weekends you will also see amateur enthusiasts decked out in their colourful lycra rushing down the French lanes.

But it seems that the world famous race is not the only one worth heading across the water for, with the annual International Tour of Poitou Charentes also attracting the crowds. The area offers one of the best climates in France.

So it is particularly convenient for those who have bought French property in the area, the event is a major part of the French cycling calendar and sees 15 teams compete for the coveted prize.

Travel through France on a bike

Following a 113 kilometre track from Vivonne to Poitiers, this year the participants will be battling to get ahead of 2006's champion, Sylvain Chavanel.

Teams from France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain and Portugal all compete in the event which makes for a good day out for anyone enjoying a break in the region.

Guides to cycling in France

For those who prefer to get involved rather than watch there are plenty of cycling events and tours which are available throughout France.

The stunning countryside and picturesque villages of the wine region make for a particularly enjoyable cycling trip, which can include the whole family.

Many French hotels have information on the best places to hire bikes, while for those who want something a little more challenging, and there are cycle clubs dotted across the country taking part in races and competitions.

Howard Farmer
1st for French Property
Property by French Department –
We have French property from 15,000 euros – stone houses, land and farms. Residential, vacation and investments property for sale across all of France. Investments: leaseback, buy to let and reversion property.

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Oprah will be revealing brave viewers who are about to face the weight loss challenge of their lives!
Fitness expert Bob Greene has just months to help get them into shape. They'll follow the rules—or they are out!

Millions of you at home can get on board and lose weight, too! Share your thoughts and find support.

 Messages so far…
       
   
This is great!!

I signed up for this when they advertised. And oh my god was called not only once but twice. Then I had to make a video. Haven't heard yet on the final outcome but just knowing someone like me does have a chance at this is so great!!

Sincerely

Tina

       
Hello ladies!

I have been planning to get back in shape for the last year. I have managed to loose it then gain some back and then some more. But now I have no more excuses. In about 16-18 weeks from now me and 4 of my girlfriends are going on vacation to Jamaica. I was thinking that I don’t have enough time to get back in shape but after reading about Bob Green’s challenge I decided to have one of my own. So I am planning to achieve my goal by June. Anyone for bikini body? Who is on board with me ??????? Tough but challenging something that could be done

       
I  wish to join bob's challenge living in Saudi Arabia

My wildest dream if would bob could be my trainer in Saudi Arabia.
I've been fighting with weight since i was 23 and now i am 30 and a total failure in weight reduction.so only if GOD and then Oprah will help me get through bob for helping me win the race against weight.it'll be like giving me and my husband a new life .

Please help me as you've helped soo many throughout and making wildest dreams cum true.you cannot imagine how elevated i felt seeing this episode but all i could do was wish and pray to ALMIGHTY GOD to let Oprah and Bob help me in making my dream cum true.

thankx.

I wanna enjoy my life to the top most level in the best shape and health.please make me a part of this challenge..
 
How?

How do you do this? I'm a 26 year old male who has been struggling with weight all of my life and would love some help. Is it too late to try and get in on this??

       
Help, I'm fat

I am going to be 50 in June and I can not take off the weight. I have had chemo treatments and since have tried everything to take off the weight. I am 70 pounds overweight and no matter what I do (diet, exercise, etc) I do not lose 1 pound. Can you please help me. I want to be healthy. I do not want the cancer to come back. Thank You

       
I'm SO anxious
In Response to: This is great

Like Tina, I signed up to be in this challenge. The words were barely out of Oprah's mouth before I was at the computer filling out the form I was also called twice and had to send in an audition tape. I am absolutely thrilled about it and can't wait to see the outcome!

Juli

Easyjet cancelled my flight on Sunday so I couldn't go to England, this was a real bummer and I was very pissed off. However Sunday started well at 80.9kg, which I was very pleased with. It was the opening day of the Auberge de Mont Prorel in Briançon or the Rosbif as it is sometimes known. This involved a Barbeque and a general night on the piss. Between Sue and I we decided that at least one of us should go, so I opted for having dinner at home (a lovely pork chop) and then going down there for a couple of glasses of wine. The couple of glasses probably ended up being 3 or 4 and then I seemed to end up in La Baïta nightclub in Villeneuve where Simon the boss declared he had no wine. So it was vodka and orange, but that would have been 8.50€ so it seemed cheaper to chip in with a few mates and get a bottle of vodka. The rest was a bit of a blur and the next day I had my first hangover since I started trying to lose weight. Monday was a painful, waste of a day, etc. etc. It was horrible. And to rub salt into the wound my weight was 82kg. I didn't eat much on monday, but I didn't do much either.

Tuesday started a whole lot better, but still at 82kg and I had some very healthy meals, like sardines and salad for lunch and chicken breast and salad for lunch. Dinner was so nice (especially as we had some really good Côte du Rhone to go with it) that I decided I deserved a little bit of cheese and a few little crackers.

So this morning I was very pleased to weigh myself at 80.9kg, which I reckon must be about my true weight today.

I read last night that Google are releasing a web based spreadsheet, although it will be on a very limited availabilty to begin with. I've signed up hoping that I will be able to display all this data on an online spreadsheet.

Anyway today is a nice sunny day so a bike ride is in order I think.