Dan, an amateur cyclist, decided to take on the challenge after his older brother completed last year's Iron Man competition in an impressive time and he wanted to see if he could match his efforts.

The Etape is a gruelling 169 kilometres starting in the French town of Pau and finishing in Hautacam. The biggest test for the 8,000 cyclists, who have entered from all over the world, will be climbing the Tourmalet Mountain, the biggest summit in the Pyrenees. The training schedule has been hard.

"Over the last six months I have been following a strict training schedule and eaten some very unpleasant energy food to boost my condition for the big day.

"There have been times when I have nearly pulled out as I am riding alone and I know this may affect me psychologically but I have come too far and I am determined to cross the line on Sunday afternoon," said Daniel this week.

The ride on Sunday is a crucial stage of this year's Tour de France and in 2,000 it undoubtedly secured the tour win for Lance Armstrong.

Dan has kindly been sponsored by the Tri Shop in Grove Road, Eastbourne and they have serviced his bike and offered discounts so he will be prepared on the day.

The Honey Guide project in Tanzania will benefit when Dan crosses the line as his entire fund raising will go to the charity, which helps to improve the poorest communities in the country. If you would like to sponsor Dan, please email him at daniel.temple@hotmail.com with your donation amount and contact details.