|
After a course of nearly 300 miles, the peloton will finish the course with a flourish along the Champs-Elysées, closed to traffic by Paris police for the occasion, to arrive at its destination the Arc de Triomphe on Sunday afternoon.
“I’m really looking forward to testing myself, I hear it can be pretty gruelling," said Mr Taylor, 66, who took over the highest managerial job in English football in 1990. "I'm confident that I will finish the ride - I'm already looking forward to the champagne at the Arc de Triomphe!”
For the first time this year, the event is being sponsored by Danone Actimel, the probiotic drinking yogurt. Actimel Senior Brand Manager, Rob Bayne said, “Everyone at Actimel believes this is a worthy cause and a great challenge, so much so that several of us are taking part.” Graham Taylor added, “It’s fantastic that this year’s ride is sponsored by Actimel. I drink Actimel every morning and have taken a good supply with me to see me through the entire ride.”
The charity ride aims to raise £500,000 for The Royal British Legion Battle Back Challenge Centre, which will provide injured Service personnel with adaptive sports and adventure training when it opens in 2012.
A long time supporter of The Royal British Legion, Graham Taylor said the bike ride "promises to be both challenging and rewarding -- and knowing that it will raise funds for the Battle Back Centre is reward enough for me." Added Mr Taylor: “The Legion is such a worthy cause and the work they do is so important at the moment, what with events in Afghanistan."
Russell Thompson OBE, The Royal British Legion’s Director of National Events and Fundraising, said: “Graham Taylor on board for this year’s ride he is such a character, I’m sure he will bring a lot of colour to the ride.”
Seen by many in the cycling world as the best event of its kind, the ride is escorted along the entire route by police outriders. Finishing eventually at the Arc de Triomphe, which along with the Champs-Elysées is closed to traffic especially for the Legion's riders. The only other cycling event that receives this honour is the Tour de France.
To sponsor Graham Taylor text: ‘Graham’ to 70222, text messages cost £3 plus standard network charges or visit www.justgiving.com/grahamtaylor
|
