Adyen, the global fintech platform of choice for many of the world’s leading companies, today announces that 29 cyclists will ride the final 50km of the Isle of Wight leg of the Tour of Britain, raising money for Change Please, a social enterprise that fights homelessness by training and hiring people living on the streets as baristas.

The Tour of Britain is the UK’s largest professional cycling race, and Adyen’s team will be made up of novice and experienced riders. Dan Martin, the former professional road cyclist, will lead the peloton and help the team to train for the 50km leg that each individual must complete. To support the ride and Change Please, donations can be made here. Adyen will match all funds raised.

“Adyen’s riders are taking on one heck of a challenge, with many having not owned a bike until July this year,” commented Dan Martin, ex-pro cyclist turned business founder and investor. “I can tell you there’s going to be a few sore legs once the tour is complete, but I really commend the efforts of everyone involved – who are raising money for such a worthwhile cause.”

“I have a few tips and tricks that I’ll be giving to the riders, from former years when I spent most of my life in a cycling jersey. Training will involve spinning, cycling at the weekends and also some sprints that will put everyone through their paces, and make sure they are prepared for the Isle of Wight’s hills!”

The team of cyclists hope their sweat and tears will raise £50,000 for Change Please, a social enterprise that tackles homelessness by providing people with a living wage, housing and training. The organisation donates 100% of its profits made by selling coffee at over 200 outlets, in eight different countries.

Several of Adyen’s business customers will also participate in the challenge, including Brompton, Preston Music, Tory Burch and We Are 2b. At the end of the ride, Adyen will match all funds raised, to provide an additional boost for Change Please.

“Giving a fresh shot at life is one of the most powerful things you can do for someone who has no roof over their head”, said Colin Neil, Managing Director at Adyen UK. “The cost of living is making times even harder for people, and we’re passionate about doing all we can to help those in society who need our support most. To follow our progress and hear our stories please follow #AdyenHeroes on social media. I feel very privileged to be able to ride in the Tour of Britain with the team, and forever thankful to everyone who is jumping on the seat with us!”

“Coffee, a morning staple for millions of us, is also a way out of homelessness for thousands of people,” added Cemal Ezel, founder of Change Please. “At Change Please we train homeless people to become baristas and provide a London-living wage too – empowering people with the skills and newfound confidence to lift themselves out of poverty.”

“Adyen’s riders raising money for us on the final leg of the Tour of Britain are going to make a huge impact to people’s lives and we’re impressed with the scale of the challenge they’ve undertaken to raise awareness of our cause. Good luck to all involved, we’ll all be cheering for you!”

Hannah Knowles, Retail Operations Manager at Brompton adds: “We jumped at the opportunity to take part in this challenge, to put our muscles, willpower and iconic Brompton bicycles to the test. With homelessness increasing by 11% since the start of the year, and the cost of living only increasing, it’s more important than ever to do anything we can to help give people a helping hand.”