Former world champion, Olympic champion and Tour de France legend Chris Boardman MBE cut the red ribbon at the start of Sunday's Wiltshire Wildcat Sportive to kick off the seven-event Cycling Weekly 2013 Sportive Series.
Boardman then took to one of his Boardman Bikes cyclo-cross machines to join 400 other riders in a spin through the picturesque lanes and rolling downs of Wiltshire and Dorset.
Three routes were on offer - 34, 62 and 80 miles. Cool, dry conditions met the riders on Sunday morning at Salisbury Racecourse and the stiff easterly breeze did little to deter people's enjoyment of the event.
A full list of rider finishing times are available via event organiser UK Cycling Events.
The 2013 Cycling Weekly Sportive Series continues on Saturday March 23 with the South Downs Spring Sportive starting and finishing in Plumpton, near Lewes, East Sussex. Once again, three routes are offered to suit all ranges of ability and experience - 33, 57 and 74 miles.
Full details of the South Downs Spring Sportive and online entry can be found on the event page.
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Further events will take place in Surrey, Dartmoor, Ripon and Malvern.
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
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