THOUSANDS of cyclists were treated to blazing sunshine and blue skies during their ride through the New Forest.
After a very wet start at around 8am the rain clouds parted to be replaced by clear blue skies by about 10am.
The area was bracing itself for the Wiggle New Forest Spring Sportive, which was disrupted in previous years by protesters sprinkling tacks on the roads, causing a number of tyre punctures and risking serious sinjury.
But this year organisers said the event at the weekend went off without a hitch as the participants made their way through a number of villages, including Beaulieu and Lyndhurst.
Wiggle managing director Richard Marcroft thanked residents for their warm welcome during the two-day event.
He said: “Everyone is very happy because they have had a great ride and enjoyed it.
“Everybody’s come back with smiles on their faces and the locals were fantastic and out cheering on the roads – it’s a great event.
“People are enjoying getting out on their bike, which is their passion, and being in a fantastic location. It’s what the New Forest is all about.”
The Sportive is the first major ride to take place since the National Park Authority approved a new charter aiming to ease tensions between cyclists and locals.
A number of disputes have flared up in the past between cyclists and motorists, with riders accusing drivers of aiming their vehicles straight towards their bikes.
The voluntary agreement says that only 1,000 people can take part in organised events in any one day.
But the Daily Echo revealed earlier in the year that the organisation which stages the Wiggle-sponsored rides is refusing to support the new limit.
Behaviour of cyclists has been criticised in the past, with residents complaining about riders being abusive and not considering those that live in the Forest.
On the other hand, cyclists have complained about residents sabotaging events by removing signs or covering road surfaces in tacks.
Posters urging people to report any incidents to the authorities sprung up across the forest ahead of the event.
New Forest Cyclist tweeted: “Far from going ‘hell for leather’ those cycling the New Forest Spring Sportive are out enjoying the scenery/wildlife.”
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