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Ex-Cherries and Pompey player Sylvain Distin cycling for Ukraine

A former footballer is setting off on a cycle ride to raise money for Ukrainian aid.

Sylvain Distin, who played for Bournemouth and Portsmouth, will lead a team of nine cyclists 807 miles (1,300km) from Sandbanks in Dorset to St Tropez in the south of France.

They are hoping to complete the challenge in 10 back-to-back days after months of preparation.

Mr Distin said 'I've never taken on anything quite as big as this before'.

"I like to push myself and see what I'm capable of. I'm really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve all together as a team…and enjoying St Tropez once we've crossed the finish line," the former Everton and Manchester City defender said.