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  • Stephen Mariano

  • Vétéran
Le Cure Curista Profile - Stephen Mariano

Stephen has participated in:

  • Stephen Mariano

  • Vétéran

Since starting Le Cure, Stephen has cycled the equivalent of the height of Mount Everest 4.46 times, and cycled around the m25 8.59 times! That's 39,462 vertical metres and 1,616 kilometres.

I’m Stephen Mariano - the American in the group - and enjoy riding, but really do not like cancer…nor the impact it has on so many of our lives. If I can help raise awareness, and maybe even a little funding, by riding a bike and accepting peoples’ generosity, then a few days of suffering with fellow Curistas seems worth the effort. Thanks to Sean Perry for introducing me to LeCure, its mission, and its people. Two thumbs way up!

Le Cure Highlight:

I recall arriving at a stage’s destination (in Verbier) and joining already-arrived Curistas for a beer. We cheered the arriving riders one-by-one, not wanting to go clean up until the last Curista came in. When she did - a breast cancer survivor gutting out an uphill arrival - well, I don’t think there was a dry eye in crowd.

Toughest Moment:

Most consequential moment was my first LeCure and being the last one up the Col d’Izoard. It was humbling, to the point of being humiliating. The support crew was encouraging me on, (though they were intimating that I should get in the van). But then, upon reaching the top and seeing 10 Curistas waiting for me in a hail storm. Honestly, it brought me to tears. Thanks everybody.

Top Tip

It's a ride, not a race. “Ride within yourself” as Steve C would say. But accepting a little nudge from a slightly better Curista is good reminder and great motivation to push yourself, just a wee bit beyond what you think you can do, as a metaphor for life in general. That, and each day recounting the names of everyone you know affected by cancer as you slog up 14% grade, as well as giving thanks to those who have supported your LeCure ride - emotionally, socially, physically, or financially.

Stephen's awards:

  • Cap
  • Cap

Cols Stephen has climbed since starting Le Cure:

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