In an extraordinary act of resilience and solidarity, Travis Frain, a survivor of the 2017 Westminster Bridge attack, recently had the honor of representing the UK in a symbolic cycling event. On Friday, the 26-year-old lecturer in counter-terrorism at the University of Central Lancashire joined 75 other victims of terror attacks from around the world to ride the final stretch of the Tour de France, from Monaco to Nice.
The event, held two days before the official race, marked a significant moment as the Tour’s finish line was moved from Paris to Nice, coinciding with preparations for the Olympics. The ride took the participants along the Promenade des Anglais, a poignant location where 86 people lost their lives in a terror attack in 2016.
Travis Frain’s journey to this event has been one of courage and determination. On 22 March 2017, he was among the victims struck by a car driven by Khalid Masood during a university trip to London. Despite the trauma, Frain has emerged as a dedicated advocate for counter-extremism and support for terror attack victims, earning an OBE last year for his contributions.
Reflecting on the experience, Frain described the ride as “not an easy one by any stretch,” yet profoundly rewarding. He emphasized the sense of unity and support among the participants, all of whom have faced immense challenges but continue to strive for positive change. “It was an amazing experience to be part of such a historic event, alongside people who’ve been through a lot but have come out on top and who support other victims,” he said.
The response from spectators added to the emotional weight of the occasion. As Frain and his fellow riders approached the finish line, there was a moment of realization among the onlookers. “There was a real lightbulb moment with spectators as we cycled into Nice on the exact route of the Tour de France,” Frain recounted. “People were lining the streets looking confused and then they saw our jerseys and they started clapping for us. It was really heartwarming to see.”
This ride was not just a personal achievement for Travis Frain but a powerful statement of resilience, solidarity, and hope. It served as a reminder of the importance of working together to prevent further attacks and support those affected by terrorism. For Frain and his fellow participants, it was a celebration of survival and a tribute to the enduring human spirit.
