As with the previous two events, which saw cyclists ride to Paris and Bilbao, Gary Hooks and Leon Howard have coordinated the plans including setting the route and organising group training rides.
The group will be setting sail for France at lunchtime, on board the Condor Rapide, having met up at the Market in St Peter Port to bid farewell to family and friends.
The group were then due to ride, with a police escort, accompanied by their support vehicles to the Harbour. Mr Hooks said the sailing will take them directly to St Malo, from where they will start cycling. Today’s bike ride will be fairly short, taking them to their first overnight stop.
Mr Hooks said the riders are in good fitness and despite some carrying injuries, including himself, they are all eager to get going.
He said they have osteopaths and physiotherapists among the support team to help any riders who need it along the way.
Pictured: Sarah Groves
Sarah Groves died after being stabbed multiple times while staying on a houseboat in Kashmir in April 2013. Since then, the trial of the man accused of her murder has seen numerous delays with her father, Vic Groves writing for Express earlier this week to outline his concerns.
The Sarah Groves Foundationwas set up following her death to channel some of the efforts her family and friends were making to keep her memory alive while supporting good causes which would have appealed to her. The charity has donated money raised to a number of local events and organisations including helping to fund the refurbishment of the children’s library at the Guille Alles Library and by organising ‘A Magical Day Out’ at Saumarez Park which has been attended by hundreds of local children.
Pictured top: Some of the riders, with organiser Gary Hooks, before setting off today