Olympic silver medallist, 30-time Tour de France stage winner and 2011 World Road Race Champion Mark Cavendish will be in Chester this weekend for the return of his Rise Above Sportive.

Following the success of the inaugural event in 2015 in Chester and North Wales, the date for 2016 edition is Sunday, August 28.

Having sold out with close to 3,000 riders last year, the event will upscale to support up to 5,000 riders in 2016.

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Subject to training and race schedules, Mark himself will be present on the day again to ride on the course, meet some of the riders and hand out finishing medals.

The Rise Above Sportive in Chester last year

There are three routes again – Enthusiast 80km, Purist 120km, Extremist 160km. The ride will capture scenic forestry roads, linked with breath-taking views and iconic Welsh landscapes including the famous Horseshoe Pass. The ride is full of challenging climbs and inspiring countryside as well as riding on closed roads in Chester.

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Mark Cavendish said: “Everything I do, I commit 100% and there is no exception for the Rise Above Sportive.

“It was great to see so many riders of all different ages and abilities with smiles on their faces. I’m super excited to launch the 2016 edition and bring the Rise Above Sportive back to Chester. I want it to be even bigger and better.”

Mark Cavendish with participants of the Rise Above sportive event held last year

Mick Bennett, operations director, added: “There are few, if any, sportives around the world that have as its patron and founder a rider with the stature of Mark Cavendish, the world’s most successful sprinter.

“This alone must position the Rise Above Sportive as unique amongst the many. Coupled with the iconic backdrop of Chester Cathedral and the picturesque lanes and climbs of Cheshire, this has to be, for many, a sportive that cannot be missed.”

The races start and finish in Chester city centre, close to the Town Hall. Riders set off between 7am and 10am.

For route details see riseabovesportive.com