OH la la! A rendez-vouz under the Arc de Triomphe is on the cards for the Citizen's Alan House.

But romance will be the last thing on Alan's mind as the famous Parisian monument marks the end of an exhausting four-day bike ride.

Assistant production manager Alan has impressed his Citizen colleagues with his tough training schedule in preparation for the charity fund-raiser Pedal to Paris '98.

He will be one of just 300 cyclists taking part in the event and helping to raise cash for the Royal British Legion.

Alan, of Blackberry Way, Penwortham, said: "I decided to take part in the bike ride for two reasons - as a personal challenge and because both my grandfather and father were involved in the World Wars.

"Raising money for the Royal British Legion is a way of showing my respect for the people who fought in the wars."

The route Alan, and his companions brother Peter and his brother-in-law David Broadstock, will take will also take in French war graves.

Setting off from London's Greenwich Maritime Museum on September 3, the cyclists will pedal 75 miles a day, until the final stretch - which will be 60 miles to the Champs-y-Elysee.

Alan added: "Participants pay around £400 to enter and the number of cyclists is limited to 300. Each of us has to raise at least £300 and I am halfway there, so any donations will be gratefully received."

And if you need any proof that Alan can take the pace, he has recently completed the Manchester to Blackpool ride - as a practice race!

If you would like to sponsor Alan, ring the Citizen newsdesk on 255523.

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