“Five years, five rides, five hundred thousand pounds!!!!!  That's what we're aiming to have completed by the end of this year”

Every year, a group of hardy cycling enthusiasts from Visa Europe and some of its key suppliers spend four days riding through all weathers to raise funds for charity. 

The annual Visa Europe Bike Ride has already raised £350,000 for UNICEF but this year Steve Chambers, the company’s CIO, is aiming seriously high.

“The bike ride at Visa Europe is something really special.  It's a Visa thing through and through that has become a cornerstone of our value system and our efforts to raise money to support children”

This year the aim is to raise more than £150,000. That would make a very creditable £500,000 since the very first ride.

The valiant Visa Bike Ride team set off from St Malo on 25 September and will arrive in Lille some four days and 580km later.

There are 66 Visa riders in total as well including guest riders from supporting companies that Visa has a close working relationship with.  Each and every one of them is raising money for UNICEF.

This year the team has raised money is many ways with the highlight being a night of fundraising at the BT Tower, courtesy of hosts BT. 

You can track the Riders’ progress online and if you want to show your support you can cheer them on virtually on Twitter - #VEBR13

Guess what - They take Visa payments too so just follow the link to donate.