KEEN cyclists from all over the region will flock to Evesham as Cyclefest returns to the town for its fourth year.

Taking place in multiple locations, the event will see everyone from cycling amateurs to professionals take on a number of courses throughout Vale.

Guest of honour will be Olympic medallist Chris Boardman, who will be leading way in the sportive ride.

His business, Boardman Bikes – soon to be based at The Valley will be headline sponsor for the festival.

Sophie Wetherall, chairman of Cyclefest said: “We hope that this event will be bigger and better than ever. We’re passionate about promoting cycling in our local community; it’s good for the environment, fun for all the family and here in the Vale of Evesham it really is the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful countryside that surrounds us.

“And we don’t want to keep this to ourselves. With so many great locations and sites that are easily accessible on a bike, we believe that our town could become a real hub for ‘cyclotourism’ and we hope this event is one way of raising awareness of just how enjoyable a cycling holiday in Evesham can be.

“The event will highlight the many fantastic cycling routes in our area and celebrate just how much fun it is to get out there into the fresh air on your bike, as well as raising much-needed funds for a number of good causes.”

Launched in 2014 as a fundraiser for the Bell Tower appeal, which supported repairs to Evesham Abbey Bell Tower, Cyclefest now raises funds for both Cycle Evesham Vale – which promotes cycling in the Vale of Evesham and various other good causes.

This year’s charities are the Alzheimer’s Society and the Worcestershire Young Onset Dementia Service.

Designed so people of all abilities, young and old can take part, the event is comprised of a number of different cycling fixtures on Saturday September 2 and Sunday September 3.

On Saturday there will be an MTB Race taking place at The Valley, with a number of courses and race categories for under-eights, under-18s, youth, adult novices and The Challenge Cup.

On the Sunday, there will be a leisure ride, a 16-mile course through the scenic Evesham countryside and a two-mile children’s ride.

There is also the Evesham Escapade Sportive, a number of routes including a 34-mile ‘frolic’, a 73-mile ‘romp’ or a 101 mile ‘challenge’.

Medals will be given to all participants.

Visitors on the Sunday can also visit the Cyclefest Event Village in Crown Meadows, Evesham.

There, Boardman Bikes will be showing off its new cycle range plans for its new cycling centre at The Valley, which will include a cycling-specific wind tunnel and performance testing lab.

For visitors who have a head for heights, there is also the chance to scale the Wychavon climbing wall.

Other entertainment will be provided by Steve Kaos’ circus skills arena, while local activities firm Bonkers Activities will be putting on a skate and scooter display.

For more information and to sign up for events, visit:www.entrycentral.com/eveshamcyclefest