BRAVE cyclists have set themselves a tall task as they bid to pedal 850 miles from one famous tower to another.

The group of friends from Ellesmere Port plan to bike from the leaning Tower of Pisa to the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Last year the Capenhurst Crusaders completed a massive cycle challenge from the Blackpool Tower to the Eiffel Tower, raising £10,376 for patient care at the Hospice of the Good Shepherd.

The group got a taste for life on the road on two wheels and are due to pedal off again on May 25, aiming to arrive in Paris on June 3.

This time they are hoping to raise £15,000 for the Backford hospice.

The group’s representative, Capenhurst FC coach John McGinnigle, from Whitby, said: “We were determined to make a go of our first overseas challenge for the hospice because of the great work they did when caring for Bryan’s mother-in-law, Irene Goolding and Lewis’s mum Avril Walters.

“It was when we spent time in Paris after the first event and in a state of euphoria that one of the lads suggested another Tower to Tower trip.

“I never imagined that it would be to the leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, just a mere 850 miles over the Alps – we must be mad!”

Mr McGinningle, who works at Recresco, added the team have already been training for a month.

“We are in training at the moment riding to places like the Horseshoe Pass and Bala Lake, adjusting to riding inclines.”

Their journey will take in stops at Auxerre, Dijon, Lyon, Grenoble, Briancon, Turin and Genoa before reaching their destination.

Hospice fundraising manager Amanda Le Bretton said: “We are so fortunate to have such a committed group, the Capenhurst Crusaders are indeed an inspiration to everyone at the hospice.”

To sponsor the team, go to www.justgiving.com/thecapenhurstcrusaders.