Having (almost) been forced to accept that our dreams of sporting greatness might be over, this challenge is a last throw of the dice to prove to ourselves, our families and friends, that maybe, just maybe, we still have it in us.

It will be a test of stamina (cycling on average 75 miles a day, up to 7.5 hours per day in the saddle), pain threshold (think of all the chafing) and patience (David's legal chat will wear thin after a while). 

But ultimately, if this does not set us on the road to sporting fame and fortune, then at least we will, thanks to you, hopefully have raised some much needed money for a fantastic cause.

We are cycling in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, the only UK-wide charity dedicated to making a difference to the lives of people with Cystic Fibrosis.

Briefly, cystic fibrosis is a life shortening genetic condition affecting over 10,000 people in the UK, and is derived from the most common genetic defect which is unknowingly carried by 1 in 25 adults. Currently, only half the cystic fibrosis population live to see their 40th birthday.

David's daughter Flora was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis shortly after she was born in January 2014.

With very real scientific breakthroughs in areas such as gene therapy, stem cell research and other emerging technologies that you may have read about in the press, there is every reason to think that we are now on the cusp of something momentus which could transform the world of cystic fibrosis for good, and would mean that Flora, and indeed any other child born with the condition today, will not have to have their lives cruelly limited by it.

But as ever, in order to seize this opportunity, significant funds need to be raised. And with your help, they can be.

Thank you.

David, Alan, Ed, Fred, Henry and Will

Team Line-up

David de Maupeou (useful language skills)

Alan Clarke (leader, in the spiritual sense)

Ed Tremayne (good with numbers and handy with a baguette)

Fred (James) Lawson (mechanic and second chaplain)

Henry Moss (team hairdresser/head of nutrition)

Will Wallace (associate to the deputy technical director)