Twenty-seven intrepid cyclists have left Canterbury Cathedral to pedal 2,000 km to Rome.
The fundraising team left on Friday morning after being blessed at 7am by the Dean of Canterbury, the Very Revd Robert Willis.
After cycling to Dover for a ferry to France, they pedalled onwards to Béthune for the first day’s travelling.
The team will be raising over £100,000 for charities, half of which will go to the Save Canterbury Cathedral appeal.
Each rider will also give 50 per cent of their sponsorship to an individual second charity.
Each cyclist has put in at least 100 hours of training covering 1,000 miles in preparation.
This is equivalent to the team cycling at least once around the world.
The highest point reached will be the top of the Grand St Bernard Pass at 8,101 ft above sea level and the climbs covered will be the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest three times.
The cyclists taking part are aged between 16 and 66. They include a crown court Judge, the chief executive of Canterbury City Council, a car dealer, a professor of music, a teacher, a medical consultant and students.
They are being led by Canon Ed Condry, the treasurer of Canterbury Cathedral.
POSTED: 10/08/2007 17:00:00
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