The cyclists, including a 20-strong team from Glasgow Airport, set off from Moscow for the journey to the Fox and Hounds pub in Houston fund-raising for Cancer Support Scotland. The riders have already raised £16,000 and this is expected to rise.

The Glasgow Airport team took up the challenge in memory of a colleague, Tom Syme, who died in June after battling cancer. Jennifer Dunn, head of business management at the airport, said the event wasn’t easy but it was in aid of “an excellent cause – to raise money for Cancer Support Scotland”.

To complete the Moscow-Houston/Russian-American theme, the event riders crossing the finishing line at the Fox & Hounds were offered a burger and vodka to wash it down.

Colin Graham, chief executive of Cancer Support Scotland, praised the riders for their efforts.

He said: “This showed a tremendous commitment from everyone who took part. It was a long journey and many of those who participated have never cycled this distance before.

“All the complementary therapies we provide are free of charge and we rely on these fantastic volunteers and others like them for the funding which this year alone will allow us to provide 4500 appointments to help people with cancer.

“Over the last 12 months, we have seen an increase of 30% in the number of people making appointments for the services we provide at our home, the Calman Centre in Glasgow, and every penny counts.” Anyone seeking support or information from Cancer Support Scotland should call 0141 337 8199 Freephone: 0800 652 4531, email info@cancersupportscotland.org or visit www.cancersupportscotland.org website.

The charity provides a wide range of complementary therapies - all of which are free - including talking therapy (counselling), aromatherapy, reiki, hypnotherapy, Indian head massage, Chi Gung, reflexology, deep tissue massage and stress management.

Chiropody and coping with hair loss services are also provided and there’s also a dedicated support group, Heads UP, for people with head and neck cancer.