THE weather was once again the talking point of the Test Valley Tour Hot Mountain Bike Challenge held on Sunday - but definitely not the only one.

Hitting one of the hottest days of the year, more than 300 riders set off from Vernham Dean to complete either a 32km or 50km roller coaster of a ride.

The routes took the riders deep into the north Hampshire countryside, up high to Coombe Gibbett and through woodland single track sections, testing not only stamina but skill levels.

Test Valley Borough Council organises the annual series of cycling events which attracts riders from all over the country as well as local riders. The riders ranged in age from 12 to over 70. The shorter 32km option offered the same level of riding but for a shorter distance, anyone up for the challenge took the 50km option.

Although a hard ride it didn't beat 10-year-old Portway Junior School pupil, Ryan Hethershaw and his dad Steve from Hatherden who completed the 50km together.

For the full story see Friday's Andover Advertiser