Huddersfield Town’s Pedal for Pounds cyclists are gearing up for a four-day fundraising ride.

Almost 300 cyclists will hit the streets of London later to raise money for the Keep It Up campaign.

The riders, led by Town chairman Dean Hoyle, will cycle the 230 miles from Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium back to the John Smith’s Stadium in time for Saturday’s kick-off against newly-crowned Championship title winners Leicester.

The majority of the cyclists set off by coach from Town’s Canalside base early this morning with the ride due to start at 12.30pm.

This is the fifth Pedal for Pounds ride and almost £1 million has been raised so far for Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the Town youth academy.

Dean will lead from the front once again but admitted he hasn’t done any training.

“Today we will go about 55 miles and that will be my training!” he said.

Dean said the ride was open to anybody to take part – even fans of rival West Yorkshire clubs.

“It doesn’t matter who you support,” he said. “Huddersfield, Bradford, Leeds or Halifax. Everyone is welcome. You never know when you might need the air ambulance.”

Dean said giving exposure to the air ambulance was just as important as raising money and added: “It’s a fantastic charity which we’ve become very attached to.”

One of the riders, Derek Highe, of Mirfield, is taking part in his third ride. He travelled down to London yesterday and said: “I’m really looking forward to it.

“Unfortunately I’ve got a head cold but I’ll be all right. I woke up in the hotel feeling fine in my legs. But I know it won’t be like that tomorrow!”

The theme of this year’s ride is the ‘Chapman Trail’ in memory of legendary soccer boss Herbert Chapman who led both Town and Arsenal to league titles and FA Cups in the 1920s.

The riders will pass Chapman’s former home in Sheffield on their way home.

Riders go from North London to Cambridge today.

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