Meet Jonathan:

Hi, I’m Jonathan Roskell, I am the Retail Change Manager and I’ve worked for Booths for over 40 years.

Tell us why you’re riding London 2 Paris in 2026?

This will be my 3rd time participating because its such an amazing event for those new to cycling and seasoned professionals. The organisation is amazing , the routes through France are beautiful and most important of course is that we are raising money for such a worthwhile charity.

On a scale of 1–10, how brave are you feeling right now and why?

8, I’m lucky as I know what is in store and what preparation I need to do to be ready for Greenwich on Thursday 4th June.

Hills, weather, or sore legs—which are you least excited about and why?

The weather – last year was not great as we had both rain and wind which not only is extremely uncomfortable , it causes lots of punctures (I had 2 myself).

If your bike had feelings, would it be excited or nervous and why?

Excited – she’s been cooped up all winter so is desperate to get her wheels turning.

What’s the first thing you’ll do when you reach Paris?

Have a beer and then order another!

Meet David:
David, nearly 29 years with Booths, a butcher supervisor working at Fresh Food Production. I am married with 2 adult sons and got back into sport aged 50 after completing a couch to 5km.

Tell us why you’re riding London 2 Paris in 2026?
I need a new challenge each year, it clashed with Bolton Ironman in 2025 but this year I kept my calendar free. I am keen to ride with fellow employees to support the Charity. My wife has a colleague who was treated and supported through Leukaemia.

On a scale of 1–10, how brave are you feeling right now and why?
7, it’s a very long way , I’ve never travelled abroad without my wife and whilst I’ve driven 000s of miles through France over the years, the though of 2 wheels and Lycra is very daunting.

Hills, weather, or sore legs—which are you least excited about and why?
Hills, up and down, the pain and effort getting up them, the downhill can be scary, I’ve experienced some French hairpin bends in my car, hope my brakes don’t let me down.

If your bike had feelings, would it be excited or nervous and why?
Nervous, my last organised event ended abruptly, my poor bike still carries the scars and scuffs.

What’s the first thing you’ll do when you reach Paris?
Take a selfie to send home.

Meet Mark:

My name is Mark Langstaff, Store Manager at Booths Knutsford, and 2026 marks my 30th year with Booths. Apparently I celebrate big milestones by cycling to Paris… repeatedly!

Tell us why you’re riding London 2 Paris in 2026?
This is my third London to Paris ride, and I’m taking part again to support Cure Leukaemia. It’s an incredible charity doing life-saving work, and being able to raise funds while taking a proper challenge makes every mile worthwhile. Plus, after last year’s “character-building” weather, I feel like I’ve got a point to prove!

On a scale of 1–10, how brave are you feeling right now and why?
A confident 9. I’m not nervous this year – experience helps. I know what’s coming, I know how to pace it, and I’ve learned that whatever the ride throws at you, you just keep pedalling.

Hills, weather, or sore legs—which are you least excited about and why?
The weather, without question. You can train for hills and you expect sore legs, but you can’t train for sideways rain and stubborn headwinds. Last year definitely tested everyone.

If your bike had feelings, would it be excited or nervous and why?
Excited. It’s serviced, ready to go, and probably wondering why it only gets this level of attention once a year.

What’s the first thing you’ll do when you reach Paris?
Get the photo of the Eiffel Tower, take a minute to soak it in, and then find something substantial to eat – preferably without having to pedal anywhere to get it.