A FATHER and son team are saddling up for a 100-mile cycle ride to support Cotswold Care Hospice.

Alan Simmons, 55, along with his 22-year-old son Jonty and family friend Ross Venus are taking part in the Prudential RideLondon 100 on Sunday, August 10.

The event, which starts at the Olympic Park and finishes in The Mall, follows the route used in the London 2012 cycling road race, including the notorious climb up Box Hill in Surrey.

The trio are hoping to raise £2,500 for Cotswold Care Hospice.

Alan, who is an executive director of learning and development at St James’s Place in Cirencester, took part in the inaugural event last year.

“Jonty and Ross were both watching and said they wished they had taken part so we decided to do it together this year and take the opportunity to raise money for Cotswold Care Hospice,” said Alan, who lives in Chippenham and who is also a director trustee for the Minchinhampton-based charity.

“My mother was supported by a local hospice so I have a personal understanding of the vital services hospices provide.”

Alan cycles about 25 miles a week and will start his training by steadily increasing his mileage.

He says the trio will enjoy participating in the event together but that there may be a bit of competition as they near the finish line.

“Jonty and I enjoy doing sport together but I suspect there may be a competitive element at the last minute as we make the final dash down The Mall,” said Alan.

To sponsor the cycling trio go to www.virginmoneygiving.com/simmonsvenus.