"On the 18th January this year my good friend Martin Bromage set off in his Microlight aircraft from Gloucestershire in England in an attempt to fly an incredible 11,000 miles to Sydney Australia. As well the the personal challenge Martin had set his sights on raising £150,000 pounds for his chosen charity Help For Heroes.

Tragically Martin was killed on the very first day of his epic trip while trying to cross the English channel. Martin was a unique and inspiring individual, a strong yet gentle soul, an adventurer and family man with two young sons.

Martin and I had agreed that on his return from Australia the two of us would attempt to ride the entire course for this years Tour De France, arguably the toughest road race in the world. Sadly that is no longer possible for Martin but with Martins family blessing I am determined to attempt the challenge in Martins name and in his honour and also to adopt Martins chosen charity."