Cycling legend Mark Cavendish is already looking forward to riding through Chester again next year.
The 26-time Tour de France stage winner joined thousands of amateurs for his inaugural Rise Above Sportive, which started and finished in the city on August 9.
Plans are already being put in place for 2016 by the former world champion and his CVNDSH brand to build on the success of 2015.
Mr Cavendish said: “I was super happy with Chester as a start and finish venue. I’m looking forward to making Rise Above bigger and better in 2016 and hope to see you there.”
The inaugural ride sold out with 3,000 cyclists taking off on three different routes out into the Cheshire and North Wales countryside.
Those taking on the 120km purist distance pedalled alongside the man known as the Manx Missile.
The 2011 BBC Sports Personality of the Year said: “It was incredible to sell out in the inaugural year and to see so many riders turn out on Sunday.
“All three routes were real challenging, testing the riders mentally and physically in North Wales.
“It was great to see the partners in action through the Promo Village which created a nice atmosphere once the riders had finished.”
For the keen amateurs the 180km extremist route provided the greatest challenge while there was also the 75km enthusiast course meaning all abilities could take part.
Andrew Adam, from Chester, who rode the purist route with the Graham Weigh team, said: “This was Chester at its best.
“The city was magnificent and there surely cannot be better venues than here to run an event like this.
“Rolling out of the city centre under the Eastgate Clock with my teammates was really special and I can’t wait for the next one.”
Spectators were also given a chance to take photos and selfies with the former Tour de France Green Jersey winner as he took time out of a busy day.
Rise Above Sportive also raised money for its two charity partners Right to Play and Help for Heroes.
