HAMPSHIRE'S biggest cycling series got underway on Sunday when a record 545 riders took to the road in the Test Valley Tour Spring Road Challenge.

Riders signed up at Broadlands in Romsey in the morning before setting off for either a 20km, 50km or challenging 100km circular route around the borough.

Teresa Bradley, marketing and events officer for Test Valley Borough Council, said: "To attract this number of people to take part in a healthy, outdoor activity is great. More families with young children took part this year which helped us to beat our previous numbers."

Several families used triplet bikes - two wheels with three seats - to cycle the 20km route, which followed safe country roads and included places to picnic.

Riders on the 50km route set off from Broadlands cycling almost to Abbotts Ann before turning to complete the loop back through Longstock, Houghton and Michelmersh.

The more experienced riders on the 100km route were taken further north to find more hills along Chute Causeway before heading back to the start point via Penton and Goodworth Clatford.

Everyone who took part was awarded a certificate, tea and cake in the Broadlands tea rooms and an entry into a prize draw.

The second event in the series is a 50km mountain bike challenge on Sunday 27 July. More details are available from Teresa Bradley on 01264 368833.