Three day ride from London to the Loire valley

Staff from surface materials distributor, International Decorative Surfaces (IDS), is undertaking a cycling challenge over three days to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Commercial director Andy Sutton (shown), showroom sales assistant Ricky Caxton at No rwichand Blair Payne, sales & customer service assistant at Rosyth will cycle 425 miles,

They will journey from Saint-Gobain’s Innovation Centre in London on July 10 and will arrive at the Saint-Gobain Archives building in Blois, in the Loire Valley on July 13.

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The ride will also celebrate the 350 year history of its parent company Saint-Gobain, which was established by King Louis XIV of France to compete with the Venetian glass industry in Italy.

In 1665 Saint-Gobain was commissioned to provide the now famous glass mirrors for the Palace of Versailles. Four of IDS’s supplier partners – Bush board, Polyrey, Krono Original and Aqua-Step – have sponsored the IDS team and their company logos will be featured on the cycling shirts.

Commercial director Andy Sutton said: “While I’m grimacing my way through 425 miles, I’ll be reminding myself of the 425 reasons why raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support is totally worthwhile. Me and the team will be thrilled with any support we can get from our friends and contacts across the industry – it will help put some power in our pedalling!”

Macmillan Cancer Support is Saint-Gobain’s official charity partner and earlier this year IDS held a gala evening and auction at the Imperial War Museum where the company raised over £8,000.