A BASINGSTOKE cyclist was the first woman to finish this year’s staging of an epic 2,200km bicycle challenge across the length of France.

Anna McLeod crossed the French Divide finish line in Mendionde, in the Pays Basque region of France, on Friday, 18 August, and was the first woman to finish this year’s challenge.

The event challenges entrants to carry all the equipment they need for the race - which can last up to 15 days - with them as they go.

There are no feeding stations or support cars accompanying riders who must, more or less, fend for themselves.

Around 90 riders took part in the event this year.

The 28-year-old has only been cycling for three years but was the first woman to complete this year’s race in a time of 12 days, 11 hours and 59 minutes.

She said: “It was a big surprise to be the first [woman to finish].

“I have hardly done any mountain biking and there were a number of experienced riders there, but I was ahead by almost a whole day by the end, around 22 hours or so.

“I think there were only 14 men in front of me too.”

Asked about the highlights of the journey across the country, Ms McLeod said: “There was some amazing French scenery as you see a lot of Frances that you will never usually see as you go off the beaten track.

“But mostly it was the people who you met in the small towns and villages who were the . They were so generous, offering food, places to stay for the night.

“They were so kind to you.”

Ms McLeod was fundraising for the charity World Bicycle Relief and has already smashed her £1,000 target, raising more than £2,200 so far.

The charity provides specially-designed, locally-assembled bicycles to students, healthcare workers and entrepreneurs in rural Africa to connect them with education, healthcare and economic opportunities.

She added: “They are an awesome charity.

“It is one which really speaks to me as they supply bicycles around the world to a lot of young women who are in education to help keep them in education by making their journeys to and from where they are learning easier.

“If you can give a woman an education in these countries, it gives them such greater life chances.”

To donate to World Bicycle Relief via Ms McLeod’s French Divide fundraising page, go to fundraiseuk.worldbicyclerelief.org/biking-for-brioche.