TWO of the most unlikely candidates for a 200-mile charity bike ride in 24 hours are saddling up for their big event.

Anne Rossiter and Jo Carlile were inspired to take part in the London to Paris 24-hour sportive organised by Sophie Radcliffe whilst out with friends last October who were revelling in their Ironman adventure.

“Our friend Caroline Cumberlin said she had signed up for the London to Paris challenge. She mentioned the Eiffel Tower and a glass of champagne at the finish line,” explained Anne.

“Jo and I looked at each other. Paris, champagne, we both thought and said we can do that.

“Alex Rees looked at us with worried eyes, knowing exactly what we were comtemplating!

“Doing 200 miles in 24 hours, are you sure girls?” she said.”

Anne continued: “We both went home and talked it over with our husbands and children. We explained that we had a lot of training to do and wouldn’t be home as much, as we hadn’t been on bikes since the ages of eight and 12.

“Husbands Lee and Jeremy have both been very supportive and offer encouragement all the time, as friends Pip, Lana, Niffy, Ali, Debbie, Evie, Caroline, Tracey, Rach, Graham, Richard and Nicki, thanks guys, with Graham Thomas offering to go and pick us up if we needed rescuing!

Added Anne: “We started our training in November and have been out in all weathers, including wind, cold and hailstorms, much to our friends’ surprise!

“We have been going to Cyclefit in Tenby with Jon Mills and we are very grateful to him for getting us started with our fitness. He always gives us lots of encouragement.

“We are now up to 85 miles and enjoying every second of the training. Our motto is ‘We can do it!’

“We are two of the most unlikely people to do this, which is why we thought it would be a great challenge. We decided to take part in aid of Cancer Research UK as we both have so many friends and family who have been greatly affected by cancer.”

As well as training, Anne and Jo are busy collecting sponsorship and anyone who would like to make a donation can do so via their JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/joandannielondontoparis or you can text JALP99 followed by your donation amount (ie JALP99£5) to 70070.

The London to Paris sportive is an epic cycling challenge between two of the world’s most iconic cities and starts at Greenwich Observatory on Saturday, April 29. Twenty-four hours later, Anne and Jo will arrive at the Eiffel Tower where that glass of champagne will be waiting, along with their medal and the ultimate bragging rights for them to regale their ‘Ironman’ friends of their own epic adventure achievement.

Anne and Jo will be joined by friends Caroline Cumberlin, Evie Fowke, who is raising funds for the air ambulance, and Ceri Derrington on the sportive.