A YORKSHIRE Michelin star chef and cyclist is to ride alongside Lance Armstrong on this year’s Tour de France route despite breaking ribs and suffering a collapsed lung in a cycling crash.

Simon Gueller, of The Box Tree restaurant in Ilkley, had a major fall from his racing bike only a day after returning from a pre-ride training camp with Lance Armstrong in Aspen.

Mr Gueller, 50, broke two ribs and suffered a collapsed lung on a high speed descent at Leathley Bank, Pool-in-Wharfedale.

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Despite this he will take part in the One Day Ahead challenge alongside former England football star Geoff Thomas, Lance Armstrong and a handful of others as they aim to raise £1m for charity Cure Leukaemia.

Speaking of his crash, Mr Gueller said: "It was a bolt out of the blue and I just came off and was in terrible pain - really nasty. But total rest and rehabilitation is paying off now and I’m determined not just to start, but to see it through to the end after a year of training."

Shamed former multiple Tour de France winner Mr Armstrong has confirmed he will take part in the gruelling charity ride for two of the later stages, which follow the exact route of this year’s Tour.

To donate to Mr Gueller's challenge, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/simongueller