Pedal power all the way through Paris

Sean Joyce will be among 250 cyclists for whom the famous Champs Elsyees in the French capital will be specially closed at the end of a charity ride. He will be able to ride under the Arc de Triomphe as he pedals the final yards of his 220 mile journey from London.

"The Champs Elysees is only closed to traffic on three occasions a year," explained Sean.

"Once is on Bastille Day, then again for the Tour de France and then for us."

The reason for the French authorities' willingness to help stems from the cyclists' intention to raise money for the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal to help young and old service personnel.

Sean said: "I'm looking forward to the ride. I did it last year and it was fantastic. The drivers over there really show cyclists some respect.

"It was a brilliant experience '“ we have the same outriders as the Tour de France '“ and quite social as well."

The cyclists will leave London on September 4 and will arrive in Paris four days later.

Each morning's start is preceeded by a remembrance parade in which the locals warmly applaud the riders and their supporters out of respect for the Allied liberation in the second world war.

Sean (42) left the Army in April after 23 years as a soldier. He rose to become a Warrant Officer Class I in the Royal Engineers.

His military experience included two tours of duty in Iraq and another in Kosovo as well as spells in more stable countries such as Canada, Cyprus and Germany.

Now working for the government, Fairholme Drive resident Sean and two friends '“ from Kent and Middlesex '“ raised 4,000 in last year's cycle ride. They are hoping to match the amount this year.

Donations can be made on their website.

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