The fundraising cyclists aim to make their way down the Champs Elysees a day before Armstrong and the rest of the Tour de France competitors make it.

The group won't have travelled quite as far as the competitors in the annual road race but will have cycled 300 miles for charity.

Led by Blackheath Society chairman Frank Smith, the cyclists set off from Blackheath on July 20, hoping to raise £2,000 for Action Medical Research.

Mr Smith said: "I love Paris and I love cycling, so I should really enjoy myself.

"We arrive the day before the Tour De France so it will be quite strange to say I beat Lance Armstrong."

Action Medical Research is a charity which raises money to fund medical research. Visit action.org.uk