Burnley mates cycling to Arsenal v Clarets match (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Burnley mates cycling to Arsenal v Clarets match

11:16am Friday 5th March 2010 in News

TWO Burnley fans are hoping for an early victory against Arsenal as they race two Gunners supporters from Turf Moor to the Emirates for charity.

Claret fans Dominic Marquis and Peter Baker challenged Arsenal supporters Garreth Ellidge and Jimmy Capstick to the 250-mile tandem bike race which began yesterday.

All four men, who are Burnley born and bred and have been friends since they were teenagers, are hoping to make it down to Arsenal’s home ground in time for the Burnley v Arsenal clash on Saturday at 1pm.

It was Garreth and Jimmy who first decided to cycle down to the Emirates fundraise for Arsenal’s chosen charity, Great Ormond Street Hospital.

But when their friends Dominic and Peter heard, they decided to turn it into a challenge against the Arsenal pair.

Admin worker Peter, 26, said: “I’ve never done anything like this before.

"It will be a real challenge but we are all determined to finish.

“We are hoping to raise at least £2,000 and so far it looks like we could raise a lot more.

“The pain we will be going through nothing compared to what those children have to endure.

“The first day will be particularly challenging as we have to cycle 119 miles, we just have to try and pace ourselves so we don’t start flagging after 30 miles.

“I think that we will be going for a sprint finish though to beat the other two to the finish line.

"Me and Dominic are really hoping that Burnley will have their first away win of the premiership at the Emirates, that would be fantastic.

The four set off on two tandem bikes from outside Turf Moor at 8am yesterday.

They will be cycling to Manchester, Stoke, through Tamworth, past Milton Keynes down into London.

Anyone who wishes to donate money can do so by visiting http://www.just giving.com/garreth-ellidge