A TOP Team GB age group triathlete is lending her support to a new cycle challenge through the Cotswolds to help a local school.

Jane Hansom, whose achievements include winning the Snowman and Sandman triathlons - including running marathons under three hours - has agreed to take part in the 50k and 100k race in aid of Ebrington Primary School.

The school needs to upgrade its outdoor play area and came up with the idea of organising a "Cotswold Charity Cycle Challenge". However, wtih so many cycle clubs in the area, it was deemed necessary to come up with a brand new route to entice the region's cyclists.

As a special coup the group has secured the services of Jane who has agreed to put foot to pedal to help out. She has friends with children at the school and is delighted to help out with something that is going to provide children with outdoor activities.

It is hoped keen cyclists will relish the chance of pitting themselves against a world champion and take part. Jane is currently ranked 2nd in the V45 age group in Europe and 5th in the world.

Assistant headteacher of the school, Lorrie Robertson, said: “Our children work extremely hard and it would be lovely to reward them by providing a stimulating and challenging outside play area. Large play equipment promotes many different types of play vital for children’s cognitive, emotional, physical and social development but we also know that happy children means accelerated learning and therefore happy teachers.”

The race day is Sunday April 19 with riders setting off between 8.30am and 10.30am.

The first route is the 50k route starting at The Ebrington Arms and finishing at The Killingworth Castle, Wooton by Woodstock, with an aid stop at 25k.

Route two is a 100k circular route from The Ebrington Arms with a further aid stop at 75k. Parents from the primary school will be providing refreshments along the way.

Registration can be made on the day from 8am or in advance either at The Ebrington Arms or by emailing: ebringtonptfa@gmail.com

The fee to take part is £25 and it is hoped riders will be able to collect sponsorship. The rider raising the most will win a meal for two.