HUNDREDS of cyclists took to the saddle for Cycle Wiltshire's action-packed weekend.

More than 400 people took part in a Cycle Wiltshire Sportive Ride on Saturday through the city and what followed on Sunday was top-class racing from the professionals.

As well as the chance to cycle, an event village at Five Rivers Community campus offered something for the whole family to enjoy including go-ride skills, bouncy castle, face painting, entertainment, displays, exhibitions stands and food stalls.

The village also featured a vintage zone with lots of activities to mark the 70th anniversary of VE day. There was live music from Sticky Toffee Jazz, swing dancing lessons, vintage food and drink stands, and a ‘make do and mend' activity area with cupcake decorating, bunting making and 1940s hair and make-up styling.

The weekend’s cycling fun continued yesterday with the Cycle Wiltshire Grand Prix.

This elite cycle race, part of the British Cycling National Road Race series, saw more than 120 elite riders from top professional teams complete 10 laps on a scenic route throughout the south of the county.

People lined the route to support some of the best riders in Britain as they competed, including rides from Bradley Wiggins’ newly-formed Team Wiggins.

The winner of Sunday’s race was Andy Tennant, which started with a ceremonial rollout in Salisbury and finished in Wilton Market Place.

Wiltshire Council Leader Jane Scott said: “Once again this was a wonderful event and I’m delighted at how popular it continues to be. It was inspirational to see the elite riders competing in our county cheered on by our local communities, and it was amazing to see the hundreds of riders at the sportive who were taking part in their own personal races.

“I’d like to thank all the people who came out to support the cyclists on both days, and I would also thank everyone who has helped make this event a success.

“This exciting weekend is part of our ongoing legacy work to invigorate the local economy, bring communities together and encourage more people to be active.”

Cycle Wiltshire, supported by Landmarc, is part of Wiltshire Council’s A Legacy for Wiltshire partnership.

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