Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson is to lead a group of musicians on a charity bike ride to Britain's Download Festival.

More than 40 riders will cycle 165 miles (266 kilometres) from Alexandra Palace in north London to the festival site in Donnington, England to raise money for good causes, and DICkinson will lead the pack on the 25-mile (40-kilometre) final stretch.

The singer's bike ride will take place a day before his band headlines the music event on 15 June (13), but DICkinson regrets he is unable to take part in the whole challenge due to his schedule with Iron Maiden.

He says, "Maybe it's the first time the headliner has shown up on a bike, but I do use my bike to get around... These are great causes, I am only sorry that due to our tour schedule l can't do more of the ride, and hope our fans will support our efforts. I look forward to a day off after the ride seeing some great bands before we go into full Maiden action on the Saturday."

Other riders include members of Trivium, Pendulum and Paradise Lost, as well as record label executives, music journalists and managers

The ride begins on 12 June (13) and will raise funds for charities including the Teenage Cancer Trust, Childline, and Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy.