Two intrepid cyclists were given a rousing send-off from Canterbury yesterday (Wednesday) as they set off on an extraordinary adventure to cycle around the world on a tandem.

Former University of Kent students George Agate and John Whybrow have been planning and training for the remarkable challenge for 18 months and hope to set a Guinness World Record.

Their preparations culminated outside the Cathedral gates, where they were surrounded by family, friends and well-wishers for an emotional departure.

Members of Canterbury Velo club showed their support, including car dealership boss Paul Barrett, who is one of their sponsors and among the group who joined them on the ride from the city to Dover.

They also left with the good wishes of one of the world’s greatest explorers, Ranulph Fiennes, who is patron of their fundraising effort, called The Tandem Men.

He said: “I wish the chaps all the best for their tandem journey. Good luck and here’s to the world record.”

Also among those seeing them off were staff and clients from Porchlight, the Canterbury-based charity which helps homeless people and will benefit from the ride. They hope to raise £100,000, which will also be divided between Water Aid and Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Ahead of them is a journey of 18,000 miles across four continents and through 30 countries.

The record attempt requires them to travel east, and they will be covering about 600 miles a week through Europe, the Orient, Australia, North America and South America.

The ride is expected to take about 10 months.

George, 21, is a physics graduate who managed the Ballroom bar in the city while John, 23, graduated in politics and was a manager at the Cafe Des Amis restaurant.

The pair have been saving for a year but also managed to get sponsors on board.

George said: “It will be the adventure of a lifetime but also raise valuable funds for three very good causes.

“We would like to thank everyone who is supporting us and they can follow our progress and donate via our website www.thetandemmen.com”