Ten local cycling enthusiasts - including the so-called ‘Men in Lycra’ - completed the flagship London-Surrey 100-mile Prudential Ride London challenge and raised £10,000 for charity Home-Start Hertfordshire.

Herts Advertiser: The Men in Lycra completed the flagship London-Surrey 100-mile Prudential Ride London challenge.The Men in Lycra completed the flagship London-Surrey 100-mile Prudential Ride London challenge. (Image: Archant)

Half of the team were known as Men In Lycra, and consisted of members of St Albans Chamber of Commerce, including Paul Rosenthal, sales director of Amthal Fire & Security, Mark Bunting of Aitchison Raffety and Andrew Williamson of WMT Chartered Accounts.

Together, the entire team headed to the London Festival of Cycling to raise critical funds for Home-Start Hertfordshire and enable the charity to reach out to more families seeking their support.

Suzy Moody, strategic manager for Home-Start Hertfordshire, said: "We are so proud of all of our Prudential cyclists. They've not only completed what was a really tough challenge, but have also raised an incredible amount of money, which is still rising!

We could not deliver our service without support from the local community and businesses, so we are extremely grateful to all the guys and those who have sponsored them.

Herts Advertiser: The Men in Lycra completed the flagship London-Surrey 100-mile Prudential Ride London challenge.The Men in Lycra completed the flagship London-Surrey 100-mile Prudential Ride London challenge. (Image: Archant)

Paul Roenthal added: "The ride was amazing. From start to finish the crowds lined the streets, cheering us on and made us feel like true celebrities as we cycled round. Reaching The Mall and then riding down it was truly breath-taking and seeing the Queen Victoria memorial ahead was the perfect ending.

"We're delighted we've managed to complete the course and raise so much money for such an important local charity. Many parents need help, advice and support during those early years and as children grow up. There is no rulebook for raising a family and sometimes it can seem overwhelming, particularly if your family is going through difficult times. Home-Start is essential to help so many families at such a critical time."

Home-Start is a self-funded charity that supports families with young children who are feeling unable to cope. In Hertfordshire alone, it has helped 269 families and 707 children across the county, with approximately 80 families still waiting for support, 11 of which are in the St Albans area.

If you would like to support Home-Start Hertfordshire, please visit the dedicated fundraising page: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/finalCharityHomepage.action?uniqueVmgCharityUrl=Home-StartHertfordshire

Herts Advertiser: The Men in Lycra completed the flagship London-Surrey 100-mile Prudential Ride London challenge.The Men in Lycra completed the flagship London-Surrey 100-mile Prudential Ride London challenge. (Image: Archant)

Herts Advertiser: The Men in Lycra completed the flagship London-Surrey 100-mile Prudential Ride London challenge.The Men in Lycra completed the flagship London-Surrey 100-mile Prudential Ride London challenge. (Image: Archant)

Herts Advertiser: The Men in Lycra completed the flagship London-Surrey 100-mile Prudential Ride London challenge.The Men in Lycra completed the flagship London-Surrey 100-mile Prudential Ride London challenge. (Image: Archant)

Herts Advertiser: The Men in Lycra completed the flagship London-Surrey 100-mile Prudential Ride London challenge.The Men in Lycra completed the flagship London-Surrey 100-mile Prudential Ride London challenge. (Image: Archant)

Herts Advertiser: The Men in Lycra completed the flagship London-Surrey 100-mile Prudential Ride London challenge.The Men in Lycra completed the flagship London-Surrey 100-mile Prudential Ride London challenge. (Image: Archant)

Herts Advertiser: Andrew Mendoza, Andrew Williamson, Suzy Moody, Mark Bunting and Paul Rosenthal.Andrew Mendoza, Andrew Williamson, Suzy Moody, Mark Bunting and Paul Rosenthal. (Image: Archant)

Herts Advertiser: Martin Pervis, Mark Bunting, Suzy Moody, Adam Walker and Darren Walker.Martin Pervis, Mark Bunting, Suzy Moody, Adam Walker and Darren Walker. (Image: Archant)