NEWLYWEDs Chris and Harriet Fleming completed a 300 mile cycling challenge from London to Paris in just four days, in order to raise funds for the Royal British Legion (RBL).

The couple, from Down Ampney, rode with 45 cyclists from Marks & Spencers, where Harriet works, who joined a further 200 others on the Pedal to Paris challenge.

The journey took four days, starting in Greenwich and ending in Paris, where the Arc De Triomphe was briefly closed for their arrival.

Pedal to Paris is the only other cycling event, next to the Tour de France, for which the Champs-Élysées is closed to traffic for the cyclists to cross onto the Arc de Triomphe.

This year marked the 20th anniversary of the event, which is the UK’s longest running charity bike ride between the two capital cities. Since it started in 1995, the event has raised more than £5million for the RBL, helping it support serving personnel, veterans and their families.

The group witnessed ceremonies of remembrance in each French town as they passed through.

“We cycled through the area where the war was won and lost,” said Chris.

“The ceremonies put a bit of context on it. It drove home the reason behind what the RBL does.
“The organisation of the entire event was fantastic.

“On the final day we went into Paris and the out-riders from the Tour de France rode us in. They closed the Champs-Élysées for us for five minutes, when all 250 cyclists had to get through.

“A big memorial service was held under the Arc de Triomphe when we finished and the city mayor was in attendance.

“The cycling itself was quite a challenge. I’m a keen cyclist but doing roughly 70 miles a day for four days was tough.

“It was hard getting up and having to do it again each morning, but the camaraderie brought people together. It was a great experience.”

The couple raised over £600 between them to go with the £54,000 raised by M&S.

Anyone wishing to sponsor Chris and Harriet should visit justgiving.com/Harriet-Duckworth2.