Paris looks glamorous until you remember what comes next: the Cool FM Cash for Kids cycle — 800 miles, six days in the saddle, and more than 10,000 metres of climbing.
Cool FM Breakfast presenters Pete Snodden, Rebecca McKinney and Paulo Ross were in the French capital on Sunday (6 September) ahead of Monday’s start on a charity cycle that ends in Banbridge on Saturday 12 September. The target is more than £100,000 for children and young people across Northern Ireland affected by poverty, illness, disability and additional needs.
Headline sponsor Omexom is powering the challenge. The route runs through France, across the Channel, through England and Scotland to Stranraer, then by ferry to Belfast before the final stretch to Banbridge. Wednesday is lined up as the beast of the week — up to 280 kilometres in a single day.
Who’s riding — and why
Paulo came up with the idea. Pete and Rebecca signed on. Between them they have already paddle-boarded the Irish Sea and climbed Slieve Donard for charity — and LoveBelfast covered the summer launch when training was still the hard part. Now the pedals are real.
“This is without a doubt the biggest challenge we’ve ever taken on, even with months of intensive training and planning. The nerves are understandably kicking in for all of us – particularly me as it was my idea in the first place!
Knowing the difference these donations can make for local children will keep us going every step, or pedal, of the way. We’re incredibly grateful for all the support we’ve received so far and to our amazing sponsor Omexom.”
— Paulo Ross
Steve Mosley, Head of Communications at Omexom, said the firm is proud to back the trio and encouraged the public to get behind the cause from the Paris start line onwards.
“We’re incredibly proud to support Pete, Paulo and Rebecca as they take on this remarkable challenge for Cash for Kids. Their commitment, determination and drive to push themselves to the limit for children and young people across Northern Ireland is truly inspiring.
Challenges like this also demonstrate the commitment and community spirit of our people – something that is central to our ambition to be an employer of choice and a responsible business.
I’ll be cheering them on from the starting line in Paris and encourage everyone to get behind them and support this fantastic cause.”
— Steve Mosley, Omexom
The numbers
What: Cool FM Breakfast — Paris to Banbridge charity cycle for Cash for Kids
Who: Pete Snodden, Rebecca McKinney, Paulo Ross
Start: Monday 7 September 2026, Paris
Finish: Saturday 12 September 2026, Banbridge (homecoming + live broadcast at the Boulevard; cheer stations planned on the last leg)
Distance: 800+ miles over six days · ~10,000m elevation (more than 11.5× Slieve Donard)
Sponsor: Omexom (headline)
Donate: coolfm.co.uk/cycle
How to help
Every mile is for Cash for Kids. If you can’t ride with them, you can still chip in — and schools and businesses can still join the fundraising push. Follow the breakfast show for live updates from the road, then get to Banbridge on Saturday if you can make the finish.
Donate: coolfm.co.uk/cycle
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