Sinéad Kennedy was one of the select Orwell crew who travelled to France to face the intimidating Marmotte, and inspired by a giant tortoise, she faced the challenge with heart and strength! Read on for all the details!

Reports from the sun-scorched Mount Leinster Challenge and Lap the Gaps below, as well as a slightly more Irish affair at the Etape Mourne! Thanks to Eamonn Eaton, Eileen Byrne, Sinead Kennedy and Dave Carroll for the always welcome contributions!

Updated: now with a Mount Leinster report from Billy Parker

Never one to shy from a challenge, Sinead Kennedy and Michael Staines headed off to France a few weeks ago to conquer The Bald Giant - Mount Ventoux - from all three sides in one day. It's definitely a bucket list event! Find out how they got on....