A WORLD-famous cyclist is to lead a charity ride in Hampshire next month to support a teenage girl with multiple health problems.

German Jens Voigt, who is described as the most popular professional road racer, is a two-time yellow jersey wearer.

Father-of-six Mr Voigt, 41, will be riding through the New Forest from Fordingbridge and Ringwood on April 27 to raise money for the Epilepsy Society, after being invited by his friend Stuart Grace, whose daughter Amy has suffered with epilepsy, ADHD and learning difficulties for 15 years.

Now companies and individuals are being urged to sign up to sponsor the event, or ride in it, to raise the maximum amount for the charity.

Mr Grace, from Ashley, said: “It’s very unusual for riders at Jens’ level to be allowed to do anything like this – it’s basically the equivalent of asking Ronaldo to fly over and play for Salisbury.”

Throughout Mr Grace’s long-standing friendship with Mr Voigt, the racer has regularly helped to raise money for the Epilepsy Society.

“I’m looking forward to riding in the New Forest and raising a good deal of money for Amy’s charity,” said Mr Voigt.

There are three ways to get involved in the event.

People who donate £250 can meet Mr Voigt the night before the event at an exclusive social gathering.

People who want to ride in the event, which will cover about 50 miles with 200 riders in groups of 16, leaving at five-minute intervals, will have to pay £100.

The amount has been designed to avoid huge numbers of cyclists.

Mr Voigt will leave with the first group and drop back to join the following groups at designated intervals.

The entry fee includes free food and drink in the event headquarters after the ride, an item signed by Jens, and automatic entry into a prize draw of cycling goodies from local retailers Trek.

Finally, non-riders can apply for a £20 wristband which entitles them to meet Mr Voigt after the ride.

Entry details are available via email at stuart_singlespeed@hotmail.co.uk.