Former Wolves and Villa boss Graham Taylor sets off on charity bike ride

Former England, Wolves and Villa manager Graham Taylor joined 300 other cyclists today on a charity bike ride from London to Paris.

The 66-year-old says he is "confident" he will finish the course, at nearly 300 miles, to help raise £500,000 for the Royal British Legion.

The charity has organised its 15th annual Pedal to Paris event in aid of its Battle Back Challenge Centre, a rehabilitation unit for injured servicemen and women due to open in 2012.

Speaking ahead of his departure from Greenwich Park, Taylor, who personally aims to raise £5,000, said: "I'm really looking forward to testing myself. I hear it can be pretty gruelling.

"I'm confident that I will finish the ride - I'm already looking forward to the champagne at the Arc de Triomphe."

The cyclists are due to finish the course at the Paris landmark on Sunday afternoon after riding down the Champs-Elysees, which will be closed by French police.