CYCLISTS have flocked to the New Forest today in their hundreds to take part in a mass cycling event.

Daily Echo:

The Wiggle New Forest 100 Sportive event started early this morning at Matchams, near Ringwood, with cyclists touring around the New Forest.

The two day event attracts huge numbers of visitors to the National Park, although some residents are opposed to such activities being held in the Forest.

Despite the storms overnight, riders turned out in force to cycle around the countryside in the New Forest.

Some of the earlier riders were caught out by a couple of downpours, but many were able to enjoy better weather later in the day.

On Sunday, another cycle event, the CTC Wessex Cycling Gridiron, is expected to bring a further 3,000 cyclists to the New Forest.

The route of the Gridiron was amended earlier this month, to ensure a potential clash with riders of the Wiggle New Forest Sportive did not occur.

Day two of the Wiggle event begins tomorrow at Matchams, with the Girdiron starting at 8.30am in Lymington.