A fierce night of roller bike racing in London marks launch of Cycle to Cannes 2010 bike ride

A head-to-head battle between two of the best riders in construction was the highlight of yesterday's launch of the Cycle to Canne 2010 bike ride.

Justin Lomas narrowly beat Thom Klivert in the final of a Rollapuluza bike race to confirm his status as construction's top bike rider.

Lomas, founder of IT consultancy Studio Four Four, took overall honours at Building's track day last month, where Klivert helped lead Hopkins Architects to team victory.

Registrations for the 1500km Cycle to Cannes ride are now open and the organisers are hoping to top the £400,000 raised for good causes last year.

The six-day ride, which the organisers emphasise is not a race, will arrive in Cannes on March 16 to conincide with the MIPIM property event. For details on entering go to the Cycle to Cannes web site.

Meanwhile the Build Moore cycle ride to Paris will set off from London next Thursday. The 323km route will be covered in three days and money raised will go to architectural charity Article 25 and the Bobby Moore Fund. Visit Build Moore for more on how you can help support the ride.

Sense the sweat pouring off the walls: Justin vs Thom

What is Rollapaluza?

In a Rollapaluza race two cyclists ride identical bikes on two sets of rollers. Last night's was the first of four Rollapaluza rides in a series called The Economic Cycle Challenge, organised by C2C and Modular Lighting.

The next rounds take place on: 14th January 2010, 14th April 2010 and 17th June 2010. More information at www.cyclce2cannes.com