The Tour de France is one of the world's most gruelling sporting events - now an event styled on it is coming to York and will be open to all. LUCY STEPHENS finds out about pedal power and why it's good for your health.

TOMORROW, some of the world's best cyclists will show off what they are made of as the famous Tour De France prologue kicks off in London.

The race begins with a cycling challenge called a time trial - a 7.9km tour of London in which riders will set off at one minute intervals, each trying to complete the course in the quickest time.

Next week, cyclists from York are being invited to have a go at the event themselves - with a local twist.

Members of York's Clifton Cycling Club are organising their own time trial - a race of exactly the same distance, which will begin at Stockton-on-the-Forest.

Phil Bixby, club committee member, explains why the group decided to organise the event: "We thought it would be nice to give people a chance to get out there and ride the same distance," he says.

"It's the first time we have done something like this which is open to anybody of 12 years or over."

So why is cycling so good for you?

York fitness instructor Christian Fox, who writes a regular column on this page, says pedalling is an excellent option for those wanting to get generally fit.

He said: "Cycling is mainly a cardiovascular form of fitness. This type of training provides a strong and healthy heart, powerful lungs and the basis for general fitness.

"Regular cardio training helps prevent a variety of diseases including heart attack, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity.

"In addition to these health benefits, you can also expect to have more energy, higher endurance, and less stress, as well as sleep better, burn more calories, and have an easier time controlling your weight. Cycling will also tone the thigh, bum and calf muscles."

One of the attractions of exercise in the saddle is that people young and old can give it a go.

Take Clifton Cycling Club member Alan Waddilove, who is competing in regular time trials for the club at the age of 73. Alan, from Pocklington, recently took up cycling again in his 70s after a period of illness, and now rides between 60 to 80 miles every Saturday with the club.

He says: "I enjoy cycling for the fresh air, the scenery, the competition, and the camaraderie of being with the club and the banter on our café stops.

"I had chest ailments - cycling makes you breathe better. I'm fitter, I don't have the other problems that older people have. I feel a tremendous amount better than if I wasn't cycling. I hope to continue riding for quite a while."

Phil agrees. "It's a non-impact sport, you're not jarring anything. It's not like kicking a football or jogging. There are people in their 70s who are still racing.

"It's good for your heart and lungs and arteries. It's generally recognised that if you're a regular cyclist, your body is the same as someone ten years younger than you. It's a great way of burning calories."

Anyone who wants to take part in the Clifton Cycling Club time trial should meet at Stockton-on-the-Forest village hall at 6.30pm, next Friday.

The event will cost £2, or £1 for under-18s. For more information, log on to www.cliftoncc.org