In the most blatant attempt yet to create some movement at the top of the Home Retail Group finance team - expert cyclist and general fitness freak Rich Ashton will attempt to wipe out his Senior Finance team over 3 days in September by requesting their presence on a 280 mile bike ride from London to Paris in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

In preparation, the always well-prepared Matt Smith has hired a personal trainer (she's quite cute but must be cheap!), Don Davis has gone to get a sleek haircut for minimum drag, Mark Murrell has resorted to email insults to team mates and Richard Joyce and Jeremy Motteram are taking their van driving qualifications very seriously. Bill Adams is having counselling to deal with having to live in skin-tight Lycra for 3 days - trust me, he needs a lot of Lycra and it's not a good look - although his Dad has delivered a vintage 1970's racer so at least he has a bike.

This is going to be one hell of a weekend and just think - since he's dropped out - if they don't make it back, that leaves Nick Gresham in charge of Finance - that should be incentive enough to give generously to a wonderful cause and ensure they all get back in one piece.

This 3-day challenge begins near Biggin Hill on Saturday morning, and ends at the Royal Palace of Versailles on the Monday afternoon. 

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor the Home Retail Riders France: British Heart Foundation gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor now!