TWO Southampton teen-agers will be putting their pedal power to the test when they take on a cycling challenge for charity.

Ben Matlock, 17, and Alex Tong, 18, have been preparing for their epic 2,000km journey from Southampton to Rome to raise money for the Southampton charity Leukaemia Busters.

The pals hope to raise about £1,000 for their chosen charity. They estimate that it will take a month to cycle across the continent.

Although their leaving date is months away in October, the pair of students at Peter Symonds College in Winchester have already begun a gruelling routine to improve their fitness.

Alex said: "In my opinion the more people that get out of cars and on to bikes the better."

Their training routine consists of regular trips to the gym to cycle up to 60 miles a week in preparation for the ride.

The planned route will take them through the centre of France and then down the Mediterranean coast.

Ben said: "One of the things I'm looking forward to most is the spectacular landscapes we will be journeying through."

More details and sponsorship information can be found at www.leukaemiabusters.org.uk/roadtorome