Armitstead joined the peloton as they rode the final stage on Tuesday while Johnson was there to cheer them on as they crossed the finish line in Cannes at the famous Promenade de la Croisette.
The charity riders set off from London’s City Hall on Wednesday for the challenge, a unique fundraising event for those working in, or in support of, the UK property sector, sponsored this year by Broadgate Estates.
They hope to have raised more than £200,000 for Coram and four smaller charities.
Carol Homden, Chief Executive of Coram, said: “Thanks to the commitment of everyone involved, we can better the lives of thousands more children.”
Pedal power
Cycling shifts of 12 hours took the men and women through the scenic countryside, passing through towns including Calais, Dijon, and Aix-en-Provence before finally arriving in Cannes in time for MIPIM, the world’s premier exhibition event for the property sector.
First day nerves
Ahead of the challenge, Barry Hughes, a rider, from Hok global design, architecture, engineering and planning said:
“I’m really excited and looking forward to a good time. This is my hobby so I haven’t had to do too much training.”
Fellow rider Evelyn Mullins, who works for Broadgate Estates added:
“I am really nervous as I have never done a group cycle before. I only cycle to work but have been training for a couple of months.”
Building on success
This is the second year in a long-term partnership between Coram and Cycle to Cannes.
Two thirds of the money will be donated to Coram and used to help change the lives of 10,000 UK children, through two areas of Coram’s vital work:
- Coram Adoption : finds loving, permanent adoptive families for the UK’s most vulnerable children
- Coram Life Education : the UK’s largest child health education programme helping young people to build self confidence and learn about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
For more information about Cycle to Cannes contact us at cycleto@coram.org.uk