A BUSINESSMAN is to take on the route of the world’s most famous cycling challenge to help raise funds for a national charity.

Adrian Lomas, 43, will ride the gruelling 2,162 mile Tour de France course from Saturday in aid of the William Wates Memorial Trust (WWMT), a charity that aims to keep disadvantaged young people away from a life of crime and violence.

Keen cyclist Adrian, who lives in Tiverton, near Tarporley, will ride the world-famous route a week before the Tour de France itself begins on June 29.

Beginning his journey on the island of Corsica, Adrian, who is managing director at Tattenhall-based digital agency Blueleaf, will make his way through the 21 stages before the culmination of his French odyssey at the iconic Champs Elysees, in Paris, on July 14.

Adrian said: “I have a huge passion for cycling and wanted to do something that really posed a challenge for me and, given it is the Tour de France’s centenary year, this seemed like the perfect choice.

“I cycled the Etape du Tour in 2006, which is a single stage of the Tour de France, but this will be unlike anything I have ever experienced.

“I’ve loved the race ever since I was a kid and it has been a dream of mine for over five years to take on the challenge of the entire race and I’m raring to go. However, I’m under no illusions as to how hard it will be.

“Training has been tough and I have been clocking up the miles as best I can. Making it fit around work and family life has been a challenge but everyone has been so supportive and I’m confident that all the sacrifice will be worth it in the end.”

Adrian, who will be keeping his followers informed via Twitter and his blog throughout his journey, is offering businesses and individuals the chance to sponsor a stage of his ‘Tour de Force’ and check on his progress via a live tracking website, while helping to raise vital funds for the WWMT.

There is also the opportunity to bid for sponsorship of the overall event, with the highest bidder receiving an original Sky Racing shirt, signed by the 2012 team, including four-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Bradley Wiggins.

Adrian added: “The William Wates Memorial Trust is a fantastic charity and does an enormous amount of good work both locally and nationally in helping young people avoid or escape crime and violence and fulfil their potential.

“I am really excited about the challenge ahead, if a little nervous, but if people get behind the cause and are able to show their support, it will make the 2,162 mile ride that little bit more bearable.”

To make a donation to Adrian’s charitable cause, visit www.bmycharity.com/Adrians TourDeFrance. Follow his progress via his blog at www.blue-leaf.co.uk/tour-de-france.