AS Southampton gears up for its third annual Sky Ride, Daily Echo readers are being given a chance to win a pair of new hybrid bikes to celebrate the return of the free cycle-fest.

Thousands of cyclists are expected to take to the car-free streets of Southampton when the event, organised by Southampton City Council in partnership with Sky and British Cycling, returns on Sunday.

People of all ages and abilities will use pedal power to see the sights and landmarks of the city around a 5km route taking in the city centre and the docks.

Councillor Warwick Payne, Southampton City Council’s cabinet member for leisure, said: “I’m delighted that Sky Ride is returning to Southampton for a third year.

“This once again promises to be a huge event for the city and I’m looking forward to seeing the streets completely transformed for one fantastic day.

“As a keen cyclist myself, I took part in the very first Sky Ride in Southampton, and I’ll certainly be hoping to bring my bike to the starting line again this year.”

Two Adventure Stratos Hybrid bikes, (worth around £260 each), could be yours by answering the following question:

How many people came to Sky Ride Southampton last year?

a. 12,000
b. 14,000
c. 15,000

Two lucky Echo readers winners will be drawn from a hat by Daily Echo editor Ian Murray and Cllr Payne.

Anyone wishing to enter can go into the Civic Centre, write their answer on a post card and pop it into a ballot box by the main reception.

Answers can also be sent by post to Sky Ride Competition, Communications, Civic Centre, Southampton, SO14 7LY, or emailed to sky.ride.competition@southampton.gov.uk.

The deadline for entries is this Thursday, June 28. The winners will be notified by June 30.