Doncaster children take virtual Tour de France

Youngsters from six schools in Doncaster are competing in their own Tour de France, with the help of cycle charity Bike it, the Star has reported.

Pupils will race until June 29th and ride one stage for each day. Once the final 21 stages are completed the winning team will be announced.

The initiative is to help promote cycling to school and is organised by the transport charity Sustrans.

"Over the past few years it has been great fun and has got lots of children on their bikes" said Bike it officer Jim Cole.

He told the paper: "Last year it created a staggering 4,500 extra journeys to school by bike. I am confident we will easily beat that this."

The winning school will be visited by some of the UK's best stunt riders and enjoy a free demonstration of their talents.

Competing are Park Primary in Wheatley, Castle Hills Primary in Scawthorpe, Carcroft Primary, Bentley New Village Primary, Bawtry Mayflower Primary and Hexthorpe Primary.

Some organisations even encourage their staff to ride to work by helping with the cost of cycles and equipment. Teaching assistants who fancy taking to two wheels should ask if their school is part of the government-sponsored tax free bikes for work cycle scheme.

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