NEW CYCLING CHALLENGE OFF THE BACK OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE

A new trans-channel event has added to the cycling calendar, after the planned Tour de France London opener relighted enthusiasm for the sport.

The Paris to London Cycle Challenge is be spread over four days and 360km and supports the work of Sports Aid ? the charity for sports people. The route will pass through countryside in northern France and southern England and is suitable for riders who want a personal challenge and those who want to achieve a prize by being the fastest rider.

There will be single or mixed sex teams of four riders, working together to cover each stage in the fastest time possible, vying for the titles of fastest male, female and mixed team, as well as fastest individual male and female.

Stage one begins on June 8th just outside Paris and is a largely flat 107 km, mainly carried out on quiet rural roads. Stage two is the most challenging day at 133km and much hillier. A ferry then transfers riders to Kent, with stage three starting in Dover. This last stage is 120km, with a few challenging ascents. The event?s finish takes place on closed roads in Greenwich, where a festival will be organised for people greeting the riders home.

The Paris-London Cycle Challenge will have a £1,100 all-inclusive fee per rider, which can be individually funded or by sponsoring. Further information and forms are available online at www.paris2london.org or you can call the organisers direct on 0870 442 4530.