Olympic gold medal-winning cyclist Nicole Cooke is encouraging as many people as possible to take part in this year's Christian Aid London to Paris bike ride.

The winner of the 2008 Women's Road Race will among the cyclists taking part in the fundraiser from July 20 to 24.

Christian Aid's Team Poverty has already put forward 140 cyclists for the 300 mile charity cycle.

The four-day challenge will see cyclists arrive at the Eiffel Tower n time for the finale of the 2011 Tour de France.

Cooke is encouraging more last minute entries before the closing date for registration on May 12.

She said: "This is a rewarding and healthy way of raising money for Christian Aid, which will go towards helping the most deserving people across the world, who will be helped to lift themselves out of poverty."

Joining Team Poverty for the third time Christian Aid supporter Andrew Sully said: "Cycling to Paris is a way of saying how the little gestures we make to reduce our carbon footprints can collectively make a world of difference."

A £99 registration fee will secure a place and all participants are asked to raise a minimum sponsorship of £1,100.

Cyclists will receive a training t-shirt, nutritional and training advice, a fundraising pack, a celebratory meal at the end of the ride.

Sign up today at www.christianaid.org.uk/cycling to secure a place