HUNDREDS of cyclists saddled up for this year’s Evesham Cyclefest, which also saw Olympic Champion Chris Boardman gear up for the event.
The festival kicked off last Saturday (September 10) with the popular Mountain Bike Challenge at The Valley – with riders of all ages, some as young as four, taking part.
On Sunday (September 11), Chris Boardman, who won gold in the Velodrome at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, joined the 134 strong cyclists who took part in either the 40 or 88 mile routes which took in some of the best views in the Vale.
More than 60 cyclists also took part in the leisure ride- as orgainsers made sure there was an event for ages and abilities.
The money raised from across both days of the festival will help to support Evesham Cycle Vale and Wallace House, the Cyclefest’s 2016 charity partner.
Sophie Wetherall, from Evesham Cyclefest, said: “We’re delighted that it went so well, and that we had so much support from local companies – Boardman, Halfords, Wattbike, and the local branches of Specsavers and Tescos.
“We hope to make a difference to everyone’s confidence in cycling locally, and to be able to get more people out on bikes – which is positive for health, the environment, and local traffic.”
Speaking to the Observer, Chris Boardman said: “Our headquarters are going to be here so there’s motivation initially to get us involved in this event over others.
“But what I like about it particularly is it’s a family event. Its not just about middle aged men in Lycra, it’s about family. Kids have been up and down along the river today, there’s just something for everybody.
“When you get an event like that, which is all built around bicycles, just showing them what a fantastic way of getting round it is, it’s just good for the sport.”
