A team of cyclists from Leicestershire set off this weekend from the Clock Tower in Leicester to the Eiffel Tower in Paris as part of fundraising efforts in support of the Hope Foundation for Cancer Research - with a special send-off from the Michelin Man.

The team is scheduled to embark on the 380-mile cycle ride at 10.00am on Saturday 9^th September 2006 and is expecting to complete the first leg of the journey, to Portsmouth, in two days. From there, they will take a ferry across the English Channel to Caen, France . On average the team will be covering approximately 60 miles per day, to arrive at their target, the Eiffel Tower, five days later.

The event is being run to raise funds for the Leicester-based Hope Foundation for Cancer Research. Matt Laws, who works for Leicester-based advertising agency Rock Kitchen Harris, whose clients include Hope Foundation and Michelin, explained that the team is seeking sponsorship for the event: “We have had a number of organisations pledge their support, including Michelin, who have provided a set of tyres for each rider,” said Matt, who is a graphic designer at Leicester-based advertising agency Rock Kitchen Harris, whose clients include Hope Foundation and Michelin.

An avid cyclist, Matt maintained an extensive training regime in for the adventure and has undergone 50-mile training sessions at weekends as well as cycling to work and back every day in preparation for the event.

The Hope Foundation for Cancer Research (www.hfcr.org) was established to raise funds for cancer research in Leicestershire and Rutland after Allison Wilson CBE, who went on to become High Sheriff of Leicestershire, died of cancer in 2002. The organisation works with local hospitals and universities to increase the level of treatment and care for people in the region.

Companies and individuals from Leicester and further afield are urged to support Matt and the team, at www.justgiving.com/eiffel Every donation can make a difference!

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