A STUDENT is preparing for an epic 2,600-mile bike ride around Europe in aid of the Royal British Legion.

Philip Charlesworth, of University of York’s Langwith College, will ride through four countries, taking in France, Italy, Austria and Germany.

The 19-year-old, currently in the first year of a biology degree, will set off from his family’s home in Haute Vienne, in France, in August on a trip he hopes will take him a month.

Heading along the French Riviera, he will cycle into Italy, “hopefully freewheeling down to Naples”, before turning round and heading north.

He said this is where his uphill struggle will begin as he hits the Alps, riding through the mountains to Stuttgart in Germany, then back into France and on to Strasbourg and through Paris before again heading south back to Haute Vienne.

Philip has chosen to raise money for the Royal British Legion, for various reasons.

He said: “I wanted to set myself a challenge and do something for charity.

“Coming from a military background – my father is in the army and I have an army scholarship, so will start Sandhurst at the end of my degree – I thought a military charity would be best, and what I’ve picked is a charity helping to support troops coming back from Afghanistan.

“The main challenge is completing it. It’s a long way to go in a month and I’m going to have to average around 100 miles a day.

“The hardest section will be over the Alps, going up the high passes and with the colder weather, but for the rest of Europe it’s the hottest month of the year.”

Philip is being helped by York Cycleworks, which has agreed to lend him a bike suitable for the task.

Anyone who can offer sponsorship can email Philip-charlesworth@hotmail.com or visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/1man1bike2600miles