Ironbridge rider Sam's joy after epic Paris charity trip
Here's one happy cyclist – after pedalling more than 300 miles from London to Paris with a bunch of celebrities.
Sam Bagnall, from Ironbridge, was among the 200-strong team led by former Wolves star Geoff Thomas for the epic four-day cycle challenge.
It also included West Bromwich Albion keeper Ben Foster, England under-20s coach Aidy Boothroyd, former Crystal Palace winger John Salako, ex-Birmingham City defender Darren Purse and Gary Lineker's son George.
Thomas, who organised the challenge after beating leukaemia, was also joined by his daughters Madison and Georgia, and his wife Julie.
The team has cycled around 80 miles a day over the course of the challenge to raise money for leukaemia research.
Sam, 37, said: "It was incredible really, an experience I will never forget. Even arriving with a fairly sore backside it's something I would definitely do again.
"Just to meet all the people I've socialised with over the past four days has been a privilege – everyone is from different walks of life and has their own stories, but everyone is here for the same reason."
He said all of the riders' lives had been touched by cancer in some way and they all wanted to give something to the "incredible" Cure Leukaemia charity. "The last mile of cobbles up the Champs-Elysées was very testing shall we say," Mr Bagnall said, "but we're now sat under the Eiffel Tower celebrating."
The L2Prevolution Twitter account tweeted "The L2P party is in full swing beneath the #EiffelTowerParis", while Ben Foster was also pictured toasting his arrival.
Riders also took to Twitter to voice their delight at finishing the mammoth challenge.
George Lineker, who suffered from leukaemia as a child, tweeted: "London to Paris, 500km – Done! No idea how I did it but I'm buzzing! Raised over £500k for Leukaemia in total!"
And he was congratulated by his father, Gary, who said: "Congratulations @GeorgeLineker on making it to Paris from London on your bike for @CureLeukaemia . Proud of you, son."
As the riders were pictured celebrating in the shadow of the Eiffel Towel, the L2Prevolution Twitter account tweeted, "The L2P party is in full swing beneath the #EiffelTowerParis", while Ben Foster was also pictured toasting his arrival.
