CYCLISTS in Eastleigh got a taste of professional conditions as they joined a Hampshire Olympic gold medallist for a ride out.

More than 70 riders saddled up to take part in Hendy Ford’s Sky Tour de Ford along with Olympic champion Dani King MBE.

The Hamble cycling star was among those tackling the 50-mile route, which started and finished at the Hendy Ford store in Leigh Road.

Dubbed the Tour de Ford, it celebrated Ford’s partnership with multiple Tour de France winning organisation, Team Sky.

Dani said: “Having grown up nearby it was brilliant to return to the roads of Eastleigh, where I’d frequently ride when I first started cycling. There’s nothing quite like taking part in a professional event and days like today are fantastic in helping give the public a flavour of what it feels like.”

Paul Hendy, chief executive of Hendy said: “We hope the buzz it created will inspire more people to hop on their bikes and take up this fun sport.”