The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Posh to Paris bike ride raises £10k for charity
Biblical storms, a multitude of punctures, thrills, spills, and an entire team of cyclists marooned in Paris necessitating an unexpected flight back to England.
These were the headline stories from an action packed Free Kicks Foundation ‘Posh 2 Paris’ cycle ride.
Most importantly though, the 16 adventures all completed their journey raising over £10,000 for the children’s charity.
The riders set out from Peterborough United’s Weston Homes Stadium on Wednesday (June 1) on their annual epic cycle ride that has taken them across Europe over the years.
This year’s ride saw them cover the roughly 366 miles to theEiffelTowerinParistoraise funds for the charity which gives football-themed experiences to disadvantaged children and young adults at clubs all around the country.
The riders were split into two groups, with the longer route diehards riding in excess of 100 miles per day. The slightly less ambitious longroute team covered a mere 302 miles in total!
The 100 mile crew were just over halfway to their final destination at the Eiffel Tower when the heavens descended upon them.
Havingsetoffat9.30amthe group had hoped to reach Paris by 6pm. The riders eventually got underway again as the stormeased,buttheyspentthe
final 40 miles cycling through heavy (though no longer torrential) rain and picking up so many punctures that the well kitted out team nearly ran out
of spare inner tubes.
The sun had set before the weary but delirious riders reached their iconic Eiffel Tower destination at just after 10pm.
The storm hadn’t yet finished with the riders, and damage to the Eurostar overhead wires created absolute chaos with their train home cancelled.
The cyclists eventually arrivedhomeonMondayevening after finding seats on a Paris to Newcastle flight.
A train journey followed as the weary band of cyclists arrived back in Peterborough over 24 hours late.
Free Kicks Charity founder Steve Thorpe travelled as part of the support team, and was fortunate enough to get home on time in his van via the Eurotunnel, said: “Congratulations to the riders on an amazing effort. The teamwork and camaraderie has been remarkable.
"Therewasahugefeelingof relief to hear the team had arrived safely.”
To donate to the riders, visit: https://www.justgiving. com/fundraising/Posh2Paris2022.