A group of cyclists representing Stevenage FC have begun their journey from London to Amsterdam in support of Prostate Cancer UK.
Seven Boro fans - Steve Watkins, Steve Clarkson, Rich Cooksley, Mike Green, Andrew Southwell, Ben Storey and former player Neil Trebble - were amongst 150 riders from across the Football League who set off from Leyton Orient's Matchroom Stadium this morning en-route to the Dutch capital. One of the club's Dutch fans, Peter Van Poelgeest, will also join up with the team and ride from the Hook of Holland through to Amsterdam.
The picturesque 150-mile challenge set out of London through rural English countryside, and stopping off at a second ground, Colchester United’s Weston Homes Community Stadium, for refreshments. After completing the 90 mile sojourn to Harwich by dusk, the intrepid team cross the Channel overnight, before riding a further 60 miles across the flat landscape of Dutch Zeeland. The climax sees the peloton arrive in the country’s capital and its network of canals, cobbled streets and wonderful architecture.
There will be a chance to wind down and reflect on a notable effort, on Saturday night in the city centre before a less energy-sapping return to London, via Eurostar, after lunch the next day.
Stevenage fans can continue to support the Boro cyclists by donating to one of the following sites:
www.justgiving.com/mikegreen81
www.justgiving.com/AndrewSouthwell34
You can also keep an eye on the team's progress here.