Meet Geraint Thomas at the Cross Pennine 100

You may already have entered out Schwag Grab for a chance to ride the cobbles of Flanders with Geraint Thomas, but if you want to guarantee a meeting with the rising star, read on.

Riders taking part in the first Cross Pennine 100 event in aid of children’s charity Action Medical Research on Sunday, July 31 will be welcomed across the finishing line by the Welshman who is the charity’s Cycling Ambassador. The ride, which starts and finishes in Clitheroe, Lancashire, is a new event that offers two scenic routes into the Yorkshire Dales.

There are still places available which could be your best chance to meet the Olympic team pursuit champion and Team Sky pro who, all being well, will complete this year’s Tour de France the weekend before the charity cycle challenge.

The Cross Pennine 100 offers a choice of two hilly routes of either 100-miles or a shorter, but still challenging, 100km route. Both head over into the Yorkshire Dales and take in areas of Bowland and Gisburn Forests, Malhamdale and theRibble Valley, as well as part of southern Cumbria on the longer version.

The event is fully supported, with feed stations and buffet lunch, moto marshals, mechanics and chip timing. It is part of the charity’s popular RIDE100 series of one-day bike rides taking place in stunning cycling locations around the UK.

Geraint said: “We take it for granted that most kids will learn to ride a bike one day, however sadly that’s not the case. Action Medical Research funds vital work to help children affected by disease and disabilities, who struggle with everyday life. I’m really looking forward to being part of this new event. There are still places available so please join me for a fantastic day out on the bike.”

Cyclists participating in the Cross Pennine 100 will be raising money to help fund medical research into conditions affecting babies and children.

For more information about the Cross Pennine 100 and to register, visit the website www.action.org.uk/crossp