A three time Ashes winning ex-England cricket star has joined a Financial Planning firm’s nine-day 850-mile cycle challenge.

Matt Prior, who played in 79 tests before retiring in 2015, has joined the Sanlam UK team on some parts of their journey, alongside his professional cycling outfit ONE Pro Cycling.

One of the Sanlam UK team even rode for 80 miles on a Boris bike.

As Financial Planning Today reported last week, members from Sanlam’s twelve regional offices have joined chief executive and team leader Jonathan Polin in the ‘Great Sanlam Cycling Challenge’, which is set to conclude later on this week.

The challenge comprises a nine-day 850-mile journey, with riders stopping at each of Sanlam UK’s regional offices along the way, as they aim to raise £100,000 for CASCAID and cancer research.

Another great day on the bike supporting #challengeJP & @SanlamUK raising money for @CR_UK @CascaidCharity pic.twitter.com/EsV9fMRp7a

— Matt Prior (@MattPrior13) July 12, 2017

Congratulations to the @SanlamUK team for completing Day 3 of the Great Sanlam Cycling Challenge for @CascaidCharity in aid of @CR_UK today! pic.twitter.com/1LM4cbFRRF

— ONE Pro Cycling (@ONEProCycling) July 12, 2017

Mr Prior said: “It’s been fantastic. On day one we had someone riding a Boris bike for 80 miles and we were there with all of the professional equipment. On the second day we were there and there was a lady on a one speed bike and another on a mountain bike and I thought it was a case of seeing how far they got, but they completed the full 100km which was fantastic.

“Watching these individuals with so much motivation and desire get things done has been brilliant. Even though they’re not professionals, their attitude towards the event has been fantastic and seeing people commit to that and achieving that success and target has been great.”

The former England wicketkeeper said that he was put in touch with Mr Polin through a sponsorship agency and it was the duo’s shared passion for cycling which led to the challenge.

Despite huge differences between the two different sports, Prior, 35, enjoys the engagement which comes with cycling.

He said: “From the cricket perspective you can’t get that engagement and perspective. Fans want a different level of engagement and they want to see what’s going on in the dressing room or on the coach.

“Cycling offers that opportunity as you can engage with fans and clients while you’re on the bike and climbing. It’s a big change and I do miss cricket, but not when they’re performing like they have done recently!

Mr Prior will link up with the team for the final day of the challenge later on this week, where he will ride alongside Mr Polin when he crosses the finish line in London.

JP at the start of his @SanlamUK cycle challenge as part of @CascaidCharity awesome to have the support of @ONEProCycling #allez #cycling pic.twitter.com/hB7G5um23B

— Ben Burns (@benburns01) July 10, 2017

It's Day 2 of the Great @SanlamUK Cycling Challenge! Good luck to the team on their journey from Marlow - Fareham! https://t.co/RS4JrhnOHq pic.twitter.com/MaYgXPTPqZ

— ONE Pro Cycling (@ONEProCycling) July 11, 2017

He said: “We’ve got the final run in coming up. I’ve been checking in with Jonathan and seeing how he’s doing. Turning up at Sevenoaks and having the final run in to the city will be great and it will be great to watch him getting over the line and seeing him succeed in his last challenge.”

FP Today also had a quick word on England’s shambolic defeat this week to South Africa in the test series. Mr Prior believes his old team will come back bigger and better against South Africa, despite their defeat in the second test recently.

“Obviously it has been a tale of two games,” he said.

“It was the perfect test match for Joe Root at Lords but it was a shame they couldn’t back it up, but we have to give South Africa credit.”

Some ex-players turned commentators, such as former captain Michael Vaughan have delivered some stinging criticism after the hammering. This came despite England thrashing their opponents in the first game of the series.

But Mr Prior said: “I find it incredible how you can change your opinion on the team from one week to another. We have a fantastic young team and they will make mistakes, but you’ve got to credit South Africa and I expect England to come back stronger in the third test and win the third test.”

For more updates about Matt's journey, follow him on Twitter - 

Follow @MattPrior13