A WORLD-famous cyclist is to lead a charity ride next month to support a teenage girl with multiple health problems.

German Jens Voigt, who is described as the most popular road professional racing today, is a two-time yellow jersey wearer.

Father of six Mr Voigt, 41, will be riding through the New Forest from Fordingbridge and Ringwood on April 27 to raise money for the Epilepsy Society after being invited by his friend Stuart Grace, whose daughter Amy has suffered with epilepsy, ADHD and learning difficulties for 15 years.

Now companies and individuals are being urged to sign up to sponsor the event, or ride in it, to raise the maximum amount for the charity.

Mr Grace, from Ashley, said: “It’s very unusual for riders at Jens’ level to be allowed to do anything like this – it’s basically the equivalent of asking Ronaldo to fly over and play for Salisbury.”