Rob Jones proudly raised his bike above his head in front of the Arc de Triomphe after successfully completing a 418 kilometre bike ride from London to Paris in aid of the Professional Cricketers’ Trust.
Worcestershire’s new signing from Lancashire began the ride at the Kia Oval and three days later celebrated with a well deserved pint and a cigar after pedalling down the Champ Elysees.
Jones, who has signed a three year contract at New Road, says it was the toughest of the three events to raise funds for the PCT he had participated in, after previously cycling from Headingly to Lord’s and undertaking the Three Peaks Challenge.
He has so far raised nearly £900 towards his target of £1600 and it is still possible to donate here.
Jones said: “The legs are a bit sore but I feel alright. I had a good sleep after coming back on the Eurostar, took the dogs out for a walk and then was as right as range.
“We had a great event, we had a brilliant group and it was pretty awesome riding up to the Arc de Triomphe and doing what the Tour De France riders do.
“This has been the toughest of the three because there was quite a lot of elevation involved, especially on the first day when there was 1500 metres of climbing.
“A couple of dark moments in there where you’ve just got to get your head down and just do it..
“There were a couple of times on day two when we’re riding on this really flat road and it just felt like it was never ending.
“The lads just got their heads down and just got it done. We got there in the end. The best bit for me was on day one, going through the English villages.
“The Palace of Versailles, we rode through there which was awesome and saw the palace. That was a real cool place.”
Jones added: “What was the first thing I did at the end ? I had a pint and a cigar with Jordan Clark which was fun.
“All the lads finished, James Harris , James Bracey, Jordan and Dan Worrall. It was an awesome experience.”
“I’m trying to get £1600, am up to about £900 and you can still donate.”
The Trust was created to support the life-long health and wellbeing of past and present cricketers and their immediate families.
