THE team at the heart of a £5m community campaign is in the saddle for its next fundraising feat as they go international once again.

The Arkriders have begun preparing for their next venture in aid of the Ark Cancer Centre Charity campaign to build a new NHS cancer treatment centre in Basingstoke.

In the last three years, the Arkriders – a group of cycling fundraisers whose collective number totals more than 50 riders – has piled on the pedal power from John O’Groats to Land’s End, London to Brighton, Basingstoke to Paris, and Basingstoke to Bournemouth and back, as well as organising a fundraising charity dinner.

So far, they have raised more than £215,000.

On the 2017 Ark to Arc ride, the Arkriders passed through Basingstoke’s twin town Alencon on the way to Paris.

Now, the 2019 challenge will see the cyclists visit Basingstoke’s other twin towns of Braine L’Alleud, in Belgium, and Euskirchen, in Germany.

The team will travel through four countries in five days from July 17 to July 22, clocking up a total of 453 miles.

So far, 28 riders have signed up for the 2019 ride, which will finish in Cologne, but there is still time for more to come on board before the January 31 deadline.

Each of the cyclists has committed to raising at least £500 for the charity.

Ark Cancer Centre Charity trustee Merv Rees said: “Thank you so much to the cyclists who have signed up for the Arkriders 2019 Twin Towns Tour challenge.

 “The Arkriders are special people who have made a massive difference to Ark Cancer Centre Charity’s £5m appeal, and the Arkriders 2019 Twin Towns Tour challenge will be one of the key fundraising events for the charity this year.

“Everyone at Ark Cancer Centre Charity appreciates the time, money and effort that the Arkriders put in to each of their fundraising feats.

“Good luck to all of the cyclists taking part in the 2019 challenge, and thanks to everyone who sponsors and supports this amazing group of people.”

The riders taking part in the Arkriders 2019 Twin Towns Tour will be supported by experienced cyclists from the Morvélo Basso road racing team, and Mallorca Cycling and The Road Shepherds, which specialise in cycling events and holidays.

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the Arkriders 2019 Twin Towns Tour should go to arkriders.co.uk/ride19.

Ark Cancer Centre Charity has raised more than £2m as it continues its appeal to help fund the new centre which will provide care and support for cancer patients and their loved ones throughout the Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT) area at the Basingstoke hospital site.