Chichester boy cycles to France

AN 11-year-old boy was the star of the saddle when he took part in the annual sponsored cycle ride from Chichester to its French twin city Chartres which took place over the weekend.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th May 2011, 11:00 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 18:21 BST

Alex Reeves, of Westergate Primary School was one of 30 cyclists who took part in the 180-mile ride, organised by the Chichester Harbour Rotary Club in aid of the charity Bowel Cancer UK. After being waved off from the Council House in North Street on Friday by deputy mayor Cllr Ray Webb, they rode to Portsmouth and caught a ferry to Ouistreham. From here the riders enjoyed 90 miles of beautiful countryside, before stopping at Evreux. In Chartres they were treated to a civic reception.

The ride was a big challenge for young Alex, who trained for three months. His mum Ali said: “I am so proud of him, he is a tough little man, but to show the grit and determination to undertake the challenge was phenomenal, he was fantastic.”

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Alex made many friends and developed a real rapport with bike engineer Ace Hall who specially made Alex’s bike and also accompanied the ride to provide technical and mechanical support along with Rotary marshals.

This is the event’s fourth year and has so far raised more than £30,000 for good causes.

Related topics:FrancePortsmouth