Former England international and Gloucestershire cricketer James Bracey completes charity cycle ride from London to Paris

Yesterday, Gloucestershire County Cricketer James Bracey completed his 418-kilometre charity cycle ride from London to Paris with the Professional Cricketers’ Trust (PCA). 

Bracey was one of eight current professionals, amongst the group of more than 30 riders to set off from the Oval on Tuesday, October 10 before reaching Paris in the evening on Thursday.

The cycle ride left the Oval on Tuesday, which was World Mental Health Day and the trust is hoping to raise £50,000 for the Professional Cricketers’ Trust’s mental health services, the crowdfunding has raised £38,251 to date, and you can donate here.

Bristol-born Bracey penned a new deal at the end of July keeping him with the Shire until the end of the 2025 season. 

There was reportedly, plenty of interest in the 26-year-old’s services but Bracey decided to stay with the county he’s played for all of his professional cricketing life. 

As the red-ball and one-day vice-captain, Bracey was a bright spark in an otherwise disappointing season for Gloucestershire, particularly in their run to the Metro Bank One Day Cup semi-finals. 

The biggest highlight was his magnificent 224 not out at home to west country rivals Somerset helping the Shire to a 198-run victory on their way to the One Day Cup semi-finals.

In June 2021, the Bristolian wicketkeeper-batsman became Gloucestershire’s first player to feature in England’s red-ball set-up since legendary wicketkeeper, Jack Russell over 20 years ago. 

Bracey, had an unfortunate two-match series against a New Zealand team that featured former Gloucestershire player and international star, Kane Williamson. 

The 26-year-old struggled behind the stumps with the moving ball and only managed eight runs across four innings against the Blackcaps who went on to win the inaugural World Test Championship later that month. 

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Bracey hasn’t featured for England since that series and hasn’t appeared in the England Lions set-up since his eye-catching 113 against Australia A in Brisbane in December 2021.