AN Olympic and world champion athlete will cheer on cyclists as they embark on a 40-mile bike ride through Essex.

Renowned cyclist Chris Boardman MBE will be attending Re-Cycle's annual Spring Sportive event on Saturday.

The non-competitive cycling event raises funds for Re-Cycle, a charity which sends unwanted bikes to Africa, to help locals get access to a quality used-bikes.

Re-Cycle has teamed up with the Colchester-based cycling group, Velo Club Revolution, for this specific Spring Sportive.

Gazette: Information - a banner for this month's Spring SportiveInformation - a banner for this month's Spring Sportive (Image: Re-Cycle)

The challenge will see many riders start at Re-Cycle’s Warehouse in Wormingford, near Colchester, and take on either a 42 or 64 mile route.

The participants will ride through villages such as Bures, Clare, Great Yeldham, Long Melford and Stoke-by-Nayland.

Chris will then welcome the cyclists at the finishing line back at the warehouse.

Charlotte Ward, director of Re-Cycle, said: “The Spring Sportive is one of our favourite fundraising events of the year.

“It’s great to see so many cyclists of all abilities getting on their bikes to enjoy the great outdoors, boost their fitness levels and help raise vital funds for our charity.

Gazette: Passionate about cycling - Chris Boardman MBE in 2021 in his role as Greater Manchester transport commissioner with Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy BurnhamPassionate about cycling - Chris Boardman MBE in 2021 in his role as Greater Manchester transport commissioner with Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham (Image: PA)

“A huge thanks to Velo Club Revolution who ensure the routes are well designed and safe.

“Plus, this year we are delighted to welcome our patron Chris Boardman who we know will be a great inspiration to riders as well as to Re-Cycle’s many volunteers and supporters.”

Chris Boardman’s career spanned 11 years from 1989 to 2000, during which he won the inaugural Men’s World Time Trial Championship in 1994 and gold at the 1992 summer Olympics in Barcelona.

He even wore the coveted yellow jersey three separate times at the Tour de France before becoming RE-Cycle’s patron in 2015.

Re-Cycle ships the bikes to Africa, where partners refurbish and distribute them to people in need.

Since starting in 1997, it has shipped more than 300 containers, equating to more than 140,000 bicycles.

Nick Epsom, chair of Velo Club Revolution, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming cyclists from across Essex and Suffolk, whatever their levels of cycling fitness or confidence."

To sign-up or to find out more, head to re-cycle.org/vcr-spring-sportive.