Cycling for Softies Team

Steven Purdham, Head of Cycling

Steven’s career background in cycling, walking and adventure tourism has taken him across Europe and the wider world, and fed his passion for travel.

His most recent cycling holidays have been in the South of France, Tuscany and Portugal.

Marton Kovaks, Cycling Expert

Originally from Hungary, Marton very nearly had a career playing Premier League football. He has travelled to many European countries as well as destinations further afield. When travelling, he enjoys learning more about country's languages, cuisine and cultures. Marton's most recent cycling holidays have been in Provence and Tuscany & Umbria.

Interests include sports, photography, spotting wildlife and delving into local history when travelling.

George Abraham, Cycling Expert

George is a keen traveller and cyclist. After spending five years living and working in southern Vietnam running and developing a successful eco-lodge, he has joined our team. He has travelled extensively throughout Europe, South-east Asia, India & Sri Lanka, Sub-Saharan Africa and The Americas. George's most recent cycling holidays have been through the Loire Valley and Tuscany & Umbria (on an e-bike).

Interests include travelling, sports and outdoor activities.

Simon Rutherford, Cycling Expert

Simon has been cycling ever since he was old enough to learn, back home in Manchester. With some pretty impressive rides under his belt in Bavaria, Slovenia, Switzerland and more, he once cycled London to Paris for charity. Working previously as a self-guided cycling holiday specialist, he's sent clients on fantastic holidays all throughout Europe. In the future, he plans to tackle the most exciting peaks of the continent by bike. 

Interests include music, cycling, kayaking, and trail running.

James Warburg, Product and Operations Specialist 

James originally hails from Shropshire and first fell in love with riding his bike around the local hills while growing up. He joined the team following a couple of years living and working in the French Alps. Amongst his favourite cycling trips have been a couple of long distance tours from Land's End to John O’Groats and along the French Atlantic Coast. The next cycling trip on James’ wish-list is a long tour through Patagonia.

Interests include travelling, all outdoor activities and local cuisine.

Sue & Simon, Destination Managers, Provence

Sue & Simon Chapman are our Provence Destination Managers. Previously a PE teacher and the Director of an Environmental Charity, they are in year six of their ‘second careers’, which includes managing a ski chalet in the winter months. 

Both keen recreational cyclists, they are looking forward to welcoming you to Provence's beautiful and varied routes.

“We love food, wine, sun and cycling, so spending the summer working in Provence with like-minded guests is the ideal fit’."