Rugby legends cycle to France

THREE Welsh rugby legends have set off on a 650-mile bike ride in support of Wales’ football team.

Shane Williams, Ryan Jones and Ian Gough are taking part in the charity cycle ride to France to raise money for the Princes Gate Trust.

Chris Coleman’s squad are now on their way to Sweden for their friendly today ahead of the start of Euro 2016.

As they left their base at the Vale Resort yesterday, Williams, Jones and Gough did exactly the same.

Over the course of the six days, the cyclists will ride to Bordeaux in time for Wales’ first match against Slovakia on June 11.

As ambassadors for the registered charity, which was set up in 2014, this is the latest fundraising initiative for Williams, Jones and Gough in their efforts to help the Princes Gate Trust raise £100,000 this year.

Over the last year, fundraisers have already clocked up 10,000 miles on their bikes to raise money for the charity, which enhances and enriches the lives of disadvantaged children and young people and their families in Wales.

Speaking ahead of the ride, Shane said: “I’m really looking forward to joining the Princes Gate team and supporting the Wales football team in cycling to France. We’ll be leaving at the same time as the team from the Vale Resort and hoping to arrive in Bordeaux on the Friday ahead of the first match.

“It’ll certainly be a challenge but it’s for a very worthy cause and it’s also great training for me in preparation for Ironman Wales later this year.

“As a passionate Welshman, it’s fantastic to see the Wales football team make this tournament and I can’t wait to cheer them on.”

David Jones, managing director of Princes Gate Spring Water and founder of the Princes Gate Trust, said: “Our 25th anniversary is a significant landmark and, in reaching this milestone, we wanted to up the ante in terms of our fundraising efforts.

“We are all huge football fans so when a member of the team suggested cycling from Wales to France to follow the national team, we jumped at the chance.”

“With the help of our brand ambassadors, Shane, Ian and Ryan, we are hopeful that people from across Wales will support us in our efforts and join us in our mission to change lives and create smiles.”