A brighter economic outlook sees registrations for 1500km bike ride jump by a third

There has been a big jump in participants in this year’s Aedas Cycle To Cannes charity bike ride.

Eighty-five riders have signed up to ride the 1500km in March, compared to 63 in 2009.

C2C chief executive Nick Hanmer said the rise in numbers showed a return of confidence in the industry. “People are a lot more certain about their future than they were last year and so more have committed to ride.”

The six-day ride departs from Greenwich on March 11 and arrives in time for the start of the Mipim property event in Cannes on March 16.

The endurance event is aiming to raise £150,000 for four charities including Article 25, which is raising money for the victimes of the Haiti earthquake.

More pictures of last night’s C2C event at Condor cycles

To donate money visit the Cycle To Cannes fund raising site