James Piccoli of Israel Start-Up Nation will climb Mont-Royal for 12 hours straight to raise funds for protective clothing for workers fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Canadian's fundraising effort raised about $10,000, well above the original goal.

Piccoli partnered with "Groupe Laudie" to raise funds to supply masks, disinfectants, and hand sanitizers to organizations most in need (non-profits such as housing, long-term care centers, hospitals, and homeless shelters).

The GoFundMe began with the goal of raising $6,000, but as of this writing has raised over $9,500.

The piccoli will run along Camilien-Houdet Street in his hometown of Montreal. This road is used in the Grand Prix de Montréal, a World Tour race that climbs Montreal's namesake Mont-Royal, about 100 times over a 12-hour period.

"It will be a long day in the saddle for me (320 km, 12.000 m altitude!).

If Piccoli completes the race, he will also complete the "Everest Challenge," which is 8848 meters up and down the same ascent in one day. Giulio Ciccone of Trek Segafredo completed the same challenge last month on Zwift.

Israel's Startup Nation is one of the most active teams raising funds for the COVID-19 relief effort. Team co-owner Rob Baron has pledged to deliver 4,000 KN95 masks to Israeli health care workers on Israel's Independence Day this week, bringing the total donated by the team to 16,500.

Click here for Piccoli's GoFundMe (opens in new tab).