Southampton is set to welcome one of its biggest mass events on the city calendar.

Thousands of people will be dusting off their bikes to take part in a new cycling event this summer.

British Cycling and HSBC UK have confirmed that Southampton will host a City Ride in June.

Since taking over the sponsorship of British Cycling, the event will replace the Sky Ride, which saw 11,000 people take to the streets last year on an 8km route around the city.

British Cycling and HSBC UK have confirmed that Southampton will host one of the 13 city centre rides this summer.

In partnership with Southampton City Council, the event, of which the route is still to be confirmed, will take place in the centre on Sunday, June 25.

City councillor Jacqui Rayment, deputy leader and cabinet member for Environment and Transport said: “Cycling is a great way to see Southampton and at the same time, offers many health and wellbeing benefits.

“The council has a strong history of promoting cycling and continues to do so as a way of helping to improve air quality in and around the city.

“The City Ride brings local people together to enjoy a fun family day out, with a carnival atmosphere. We hope the event will encourage people to cycle more often in their everyday journeys.”

Satvir Kaur, cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure said: “These events get people out and about and bring people together from all ages and backgrounds.

“It grows city pride and is great for the city economy.”

HSBC UK took over the sponsorship from January this year, with an ambition of seeing two million people cycling in the UK by 2020.

The sponsorship deal lasts for eight years.

Giles Morgan, HSBC’s global head of sponsorship said: “We know that more people cycling will lead to a healthier, greener, happier nation, making a significant impact on issues such as obesity, depression and pollution.

“Cycling can be the solution to so many problems in this country and we are determined that HSBC UK City Rides is the first step on that journey.

“Our partnership with British Cycling is all about ensuring that anyone, anywhere in the UK has the opportunity and inspiration to get on their bike. Over the next eight years we will work with British Cycling to inspire two million people to get on their bikes.”