Sporting legend Mark Cavendish will be one of 3,000 cyclists taking to the roads of North Wales and Cheshire this weekend.
The 26-time Tour de France stage winner holds his inaugural Rise Above Sportive on Sunday, August 9.
Chester marks the start and finish line for the three different routes heading west out to Wrexham, Flintshire, Denbighshire and Conwy.
Mr Cavendish said: “I can’t wait to see the sight of 3,000 cyclists getting ready to enjoy their ride from Chester city centre on Sunday morning, which is a fantastic setting for Rise Above to start and finish in.
READ: Chester cyclists get chance to ride with world champion Mark Cavendish this summer
“All three routes are really special and through some beautiful countryside in North Wales, which I’m proud to be showcasing with Rise Above.”
Amateurs will hit the road alongside the former World and British Champion, known as the Manx Missile, as he takes on the middle distance route, Purist.
“I hope riders in Rise Above can look forward to lots of support and encouragement from the local communities at the roadside as they take on the challenge.
“I look forward to sharing the experience with them.”
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A few roads including Eastgate Street, St John Street and Pepper Street will be closed in Chester city centre for the event on Sunday.
The first riders will depart at 7am in small groups and everyone taking part will have completed the course by 6pm.
All abilities have been encouraged to get involved with either 80km Enthusiast route, 120km Purist ride and 185km Extremist challenge.
Each route will link forestry roads and spectacular countryside with the latter two both heading over the iconic Horseshoe Pass
For more information and to see all three routes visit www.riseabovesportive.com.
