A SPECIAL cycle ride will be taking place from Witham Leisure Centre on Saturday, May 11, as part of preparations for Witham-based fitness instructor Ray Robins' plans to ride the course of Le Tour de France in July.

This summer, at the age of 58, Robins will be tackling a fearsome personal challenge that tests some of the world’s greatest endurance athletes as he rides Le Loop.

It will see him riding all 21 stages - 2,150 miles and seven miles of vertical climbing over 23 days - of the route of Le Tour de France a week before the professionals bid for glory in the world famous event.

Robins, who works at Fusion in Witham, is organising a fundraising social cycle ride heading off from Witham Leisure Centre on May 11 to raise money for Le Loop's official charity - the William Wates Memorial Trust.

Two routes are planned for the cycle ride - over 20 and 50 miles - with registration taking place at 8.30am for a 9am depart.

Registration will be on the day and routes will be by GPS and maps rather than being signed.

All money raised from the event will go to William Wates Memorial Trust and Robins has also set up a fundraising page on the internet at www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/rayrobinslelooptdf2019