Watch: Leamington-born former England goalkeeper sends personal message ahead of charity event in aid of Warwick charity

Ben, himself an avid cyclist, produces a YouTube channel called The Cycling GK – and has put his weight behind the epic challenge, involving 52 riders from across the UK, via a special video message.

Months of training will culminate in the cyclists saddling up in York on Friday (July 9) where they’ll be officially seen on their way by the city’s Sheriff, and follow a route through The Pennines and Derbyshire before arriving at The Durham Ox in Shrewley three days later.