TWO energetic Sutton men are hoping to raise hundreds of pounds for charity by cycling across three countries.

Mountain bikers Andrew Watts and James Wood will head for France in mid September.

The pair will be tackling the famous Three Countries Tour, which will take them high up in the mountains to heights of more than 2,500 metres above sea level.

The tour starts in Chamonix, France, which has been dubbed "the alpine capital of Europe".

It is in the shadow of Mont Blanc and in some of the most breathtaking scenery around.

The mountain bikers will then circumnavigate Mont Blanc, passing through Switzerland, Italy and then back to France.

The entire ride takes place in five days, covering a total of 250 kilometres.

Andrew and James decided to do the tour as a holiday, but latched on to the idea of raising money for charity at the same time.

Proceeds from their sponsored cycle ride will be given to the Manorlands Hospice for terminally ill people at Oxenhope.

"Last year I had two friends who died from cancer and I've another friend whose daughter is suffering from the disease," said Andrew, who works in the mechanical engineering department of Bradford University.

"We thought that we could put this ride to some use and try and raise some money for the hospice."

Andrew owns both a mountain bike and a racing bike and is a member of the Bronte Wheelers cycling club at Keighley.

"One of my friends did the Three Countries Tour a couple of years ago and said it was very demanding but he enjoyed it," he added.

"It should be pretty scenic but I've never ridden at high altitude before."

Andrew and James are following a route mapped out by a keen cyclist who first realised the potential of mountain biking around Mont Blanc back in 1991, and formed his own company to offer cycling holidays in the region.

And there'll be no time for a rest when the pair return from their adventure abroad.

For just days later they will be taking part in the annual Three Peaks cyclo-cross race for the first time.

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