A KEEN cyclist is to live out his dream by riding across the finish line of the Tour de France.

Arnold Atkinson will ride around Paris just hours before Lance Armstrong and the pack chasing the yellow jersey enter the city for the finish of the world's most famous cycle race.

He will be among 10,000 cyclists from across the globe who have been chosen to ride the 30km circuit of Paris on Sunday morning to celebrate the Tour's 100th anniversary.

The 71-year-old, from Thwaites Brow, Keighley -- who was treated for prostate cancer just six years ago -- flew out on Wednesday for the once in a lifetime experience.

Arnold said: "I saw a little note in a cycling magazine about the invitation from the Mayor of Paris to take part in this event to mark the race's centenary.

"I used my daughter's address for the application because she lives in Paris and I was fortunate enough to be one of the chosen riders.

"I went last year as a spectator for the first time, but to ride on exactly the same course as the likes of Lance Armstrong is a once in a lifetime opportunity."

The ride around Paris will be a change of scene for the retired geology lecturer at Bradford College, who is used to riding in the Dales as a member of Cyclists Touring Club and Autumn Tints cycling club.

Arnold and his fellow amateur riders will start off from beneath the famous shadow of the Eiffel Tower on La Randonnee du Centenaire.

They will pedal past Pont Neuf and along the embankment of the River Seine, taking in the Bastille, Champs Elysees and Place de La Concorde, before crossing the finish line.

Cheering him on from the pavement will be daughter Christine, who is based in the French capital and works as the UK's deputy delegate to UNESCO (United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation).