CYCLIST Iain Forbes is preparing for his retirement next month by gearing up for a mammoth cycle ride.

He is leaving his job as a global accounts director for an international firm to pedal 1,200 miles in a month.

And he is also thinking big in his fundraising, aiming to bring in £100,000 for cancer research charities across the UK and Europe.

He said: "I can't wait for it to start."

Mr Forbes, of Poffley End, near Witney, had the idea for a marathon cycle ride when his friend and business colleague, Swedish-born Harald Berg, was diagnosed with stomach cancer.

They both work for Berkshire-based Quadriga, which provides Internet and entertainment services to the hotel industry.

Mr Forbes, who retires on his 65th birthday will travel through Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Holland, Belgium and the UK.

Accompanying him in a camper van for the trek, will be his wife Moira.