A CRICKET legend has joined the Daily Echo and Sunseeker in backing this year’s Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride.

Former England captain, David Gower, will be swapping his bat for a bicycle, and protective pads for padded shorts, when he joins hundreds of pedal-powered fundraisers on the Broadstone start line on July 5.

“Not only has the Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride raised thousands of pounds for people with cancer, but it is a healthy way for those who take part to have fun and enjoy the countryside.

“I am pleased to be supporting this successful event once again,” said David.

This year’s ride will mark the event’s 21st anniversary. More than £800,000 has been raised for cancer care by participants in the previous 20 rides.

Marshals, mechanics, and masseurs, are among the support staff laid on by sponsors, European College of Chiropractic, and Primera Sport, who have supplied Daily Echo editor, Neal Butterworth, with a bike.

Determined to make the most of a rare outing from the newsroom, Neal has signed up to ride the 60-mile route – one of six distances open to cyclists of all abilities, ranging from 15 to 100 miles.

“I was asked by the ride’s founder, Peter Smith-Nicholls, if the Daily Echo would be interested in backing the event, and of course, I said yes.

“The Dorset Macmillan Bike Ride has been one of the county’s success stories for two decades, raising thousands of pounds for a really worthwhile cause.

“I’m still not quite sure how I was talked into riding 60 miles, but it’s too late to back out now!” said Neal.

Keep up with Neal’s training progress in a new blog coming soon to the Daily Echo’s web site, bournemouthecho.co.uk.

Register for an entry form by visiting www.macmillanbikeride.co.uk or calling 01202 601075.