TWO huge cycling events are taking place in the New Forest today, with over a thousands riders expected to get in the saddle.

More than 1,000 riders are expected to descend in the Forest tomorrow when the second day of the New Forest 100 Sportive coincides with the first day of all-female Macmillan Cycletta.

The rallies are taking place in different parts of the Forest, which means most of the district will be affected.

But organisers say their decision to alter the original routes will prevent the two groups of cyclists converging on the same villages.

The Wiggle-sponsored Sportive begins today, with rider setting off from at Matchams Leisure Park, near Ringwood.

The alternative routes for riders include parts of Dorset as well as the New Forest National Park and roads east of Salisbury.

People taking part in the women-only Cycletta event will assemble at Palace House, Beaulieu, and go to the southern half of the Forest, including Lepe Country Park.

About 2,000 cyclists are expected to take part in the two-day Sportive, with hundreds more turning out for the Beaulieu event.

Tony Hockley, of the New Forest Equestrian Association, said: “Because the two events are being held on the same day the Sportive has been displaced towards the Fordingbridge direction.

“Roads in that part of the Forest are smaller, which means people may have more difficulty than usual.”

The New Forest National Park Authority confirmed that the two events would use different routes.

A spokesman said: “We hope this will ensure that disruption for local residents is kept to a minimum. Our staff will be out monitoring both events to ensure they run well.”

The Sportive event is being staged by UK Cycling Events (UKCE).

Spokesman added: “We were made aware of the Cycletta event through the local safety advisory group.

“UKCE is not anticipating problems, having worked with the group to ensure there was absolutely no clash between the two events by changing our route accordingly.”

Many of the previous Sportives have sparked controversy, with villagers accusing cyclists of being abusive and using roadside verges as toilets.

At the same time cyclists have complained about residents sabotaging events by removing signs or covering road surfaces in tacks.

However, the two most recent Sportives have passed off without incident.