MORE than 600 people took part in the two-week Cycle Chester Workplace Challenge and covered 26,974 miles – more than once round the world – and burned 839,220 calories.

The cyclists pledged to get on their bikes as part of the competition.

During the fortnight employees from 79 companies committed to cycle to work at least once. Funded by Cycling England, journeys were also logged online.

Six new bikes were awarded to companies whose employees covered the most miles during the two weeks and were split into size categories. There were also vouchers given away.

Cllr Lynn Riley, executive member for community and environment, attended the prize-giving ceremony and said: “The Cycling Challenge has been extremely successful and has really motivated people to cycle to and from work.

“I hope that getting to work by bike will remain a firm favourite with the people involved and that they in turn will encourage others to have a go.

“It’s not every day that you can say ‘on your bike’ and get such a fantastic response!

“I would like to thank everyone who took part – 79 companies and 615 people is something to be extremely proud about.”

The winning companies were, in size order: Ti Visual, Swansway Peugeot, Muir Group, GB Group, Backford Hall (CWaC) and the Countess of Chester Hospital.