Worrall Excited For London-Paris Ride

Dan Worrall has extended his 2023 ambitions beyond the pitch by signing up for the London to Paris Charity Bike Ride in aid of the Professional Cricketers’ Trust.

Starting on 10 October, the event coincides with World Mental Health Day, with the Trust using the initiative to highlight the need to raise funds to combat the growing trend of welfare and wellbeing issues in and out of the sport.

Several cricketers have previously shared how the Trust has supported them through struggles with their mental wellbeing, including England World Cup winner Liam Plunkett, Thunder’s Fi Morris and former Kent and Derbyshire seamer Simon Cusden.

That will be at the forefront of Worrall’s mind whilst he’s on the bike, with those taking part aiming to raise £50,000 which will provide support and services for more than 50 people who may need the charity’s help.

“Mental health and wellbeing is a crucial part of elite sport in general but, as cricketers, we’re dealing with failure the majority of the time. And when any athlete transitions from elite sport into the real world, it’s tough to deal with mentally,” he explained.

“After seeing it first-hand with friends and other teammates, it’s so important that they have some resources to be able to draw back on and ensure they hit the ground running when they finish playing cricket.”

Taking place over three days, participants will cover 400km between the two capital cities and experience the natural beauty of the English and French countryside, stop at the stunning Palace of Versailles and taking in the famous Parisian culture.

Worrall is one of several current members who have currently put their names on the list, alongside England internationals James Bracey, Alice Davidson-Richards and Freya Davies. As many who have taken part in previous events will testify, it’s a thoroughly rewarding challenge in terms of the camaraderie developed with fellow riders and the personal achievement of completing the feat.

Furthermore, the riders will be raising money to provide life-changing and potentially life-saving assistance for cricketers both in and out of the game, as well as their immediate families. This includes expert advice, rehabilitation programmes and a dedicated 24-hour Confidential Helpline.

Despite having limited experience on two wheels, Worrall is eagerly anticipating pulling on the lycra for this reason.

The 31-year-old said: “It’s pretty daunting considering the only bike riding I’ve done is with a mountain bike on the way to school as a teenager. But I’m looking forward to it.

“It’s a cause that really hits home for a lot of cricketers that are at the stage I’m at in my career where I’ve got a young family. I’ve seen instances where people have had to draw on the Professional Cricketers’ Trust, which is important to look after cricketers – after their career finishes or whilst they’re playing – that fall on hard times, whether that be illness or family occurrences or anything like that.

“I don’t think I’m doing too much but it’s my way of giving a little back to the players that have supported me so well over the years.”

The London to Paris challenge is open to anyone so please tell your friends and family and spread the word as much as possible. Sign up now via our event organiser pie or email Samantha Relf at sam.relf@thepca.co.uk if you have any questions.

• Day One – Tuesday 10 October: Ride from the Kia Oval to Portsmouth (149km), the route takes the riders through the wonderful scenery of the North and South Downs, the route is rather hilly but much of the afternoon is spent going downhill towards Portsmouth.
• Day Two – Wednesday 11 October: Ride from Caen to Evreux (145km), the ferry arrives early into Ouistreham where we have breakfast. The will be three stops along the way through the French countryside before dinner at a local restaurant in Evreux.
• Day Three – Thursday 12 October: Ride from Evreux to Paris (124km), the final day’s route includes a stop at the fabulous Palace of Versailles before heading into the Parisian suburbs and towards the Eiffel Tower.
• Day Four – Friday 13 October: Travel Home. The riding is over! You’ll have time to take in the French capital before returning to the UK on the Eurostar.

• Full support crew dealing with hotels, luggage and pit stops
• Hotel and ferry accommodation for three nights
• Two fully qualified medics
• All food from a light breakfast on the first day to breakfast on the Friday
• One pie bike ride guide for every 10 cyclists
• Bike transportation back to the UK
• Eurostar trip from Paris back to UK

• All participants will be asked to fundraise a minimum of £1,600 which will include a contribution to the cost of the trip
• A deposit of £150 is required on sign-up