A double Olympic champion and an Ashes-winning wicket keeper will don their lycras for a 200-mile charity cycle ride organised by Goatham’s.
Former middle distance runner Dame Kelly Holmes and ex-England wicket keeper Geraint Jones MBE will take part in the event, organised by the topfruit producer for the first time, in aid of Kent Sports Trust Foundation and Help for Heroes.
Goatham’s Great Kent Cycle Ride, a three-day event taking place in July, will see hundreds of cyclists take to the roads to raise funds for charity and to inspire people to take up cycling.
The cyclists will begin their 200-mile journey through Kent from AC Goatham’s headquarters at Flanders Farm in Hoo on the morning of 14 July. With one, two or three day options for cyclists, the event is open to all ages and abilities.
Holmes, who won two Olympic golds in the Athens games in 2004, said: 'I am very much looking forward to the Great Kent Cycle Ride. Having recently got into cycling myself, I have a new appreciation for Kent as it has some amazing routes and places to ride around.
'I am especially looking forward to the first day when the riders will arrive in Hildenborough. The Parish Council have kindly allowed the event to be hosted on the recreation ground and my café, Cafe 1809, will be providing refreshments for everyone.
'I wish the organisers the best of luck with the planning and developments and look forward to getting back on my bike in July.'
Joining Dame Kelly Holmes on the three days will be former Kent and England cricketer Jones and Rob Smith from BBC South East Today. Having won the Ashes in 2005, Jones also took part in the PCA Big Bike Ride last year.
CEO of the Kent Sports Trust Foundation, Steve Wolfe, is urging people to sign up early to avoid disappointment: 'We've got limited places left for the whole three days, so I'd urge anyone interested to get in touch with us as soon as possible.
'We're anticipating hundreds of cyclists taking part over the three days and we couldn't run this event without the support of our main sponsors AC Goatham & Son and their cycle loving commercial director Carol Ford who will also take part over the three days.
The three days will see cyclists taking in some of the most picturesque parts of the county including Rochester Castle, the county town of Maidstone, Royal Tunbridge Wells, the iconic race circuit Brands Hatch, the cathedral city of Canterbury, the white cliffs of Dover and the market town of Faversham.
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