A team of amateur cyclists is taking on part of the most famous cycle racing course in the world, the Tour de France, to raise money for bowel cancer.

Ian Ratcliffe, 34, of Twickenham, is part of a team of 15 who are taking on the challenge in memory of Ian’s younger brother Jon, who died from bowel cancer in 2008.

The team, which also includes Ian’s father Rob and brother Dan, are aiming to cycle 185km in a day, starting in the Pyrenees and finishing at Narbonne on the French coast.

Ian, his family and friends are cycling on behalf of Beating Bowel Cancer, having already raised more than £30,000 through previous efforts.

Mr Ratcliffe said: “Jon was an incredibly talented all round sportsman and the physicality of this challenge felt appropriate to honouring his memory while helping to raise money to prevent others being affected.”

The group is hoping to complete the route inside 12 hours and raise £15,000.

The team takes on the challenge on July 31. To sponsor them go to justgiving.com/giroratalia.