Cheshire Cat 'cyclosportive' through Audlem today

Those in the village today will have noticed the hundreds of cyclists coming in to Audlem on the Whitchurch Road and then turning up Cheshire Street. They are participating in the 2008 UCI Cheshire Cat cyclosportive which, as last year, passes through Audlem. They set out from Knutsford Leisure Centre in what is the second ever running of this major leisure cycling event.

Last year there were approximately 400 entries, and not that many seemed to choose the longer route option that includes Audlem. This year there's over a 1,000 entries and large numbers are going for the whole of the almost 100 miles circuit. The highlight of the ride for many – apart from passing through Audlem – is the truly awesome climb up to the hill-top village and castle folly at Mow Cop. Last year many riders struggled and some walked the steepest part of the climb. This year all who manage the ascent without having to put a foot down or stopping get a medal.

The event has attracted interest from overseas and the organisers are thrilled this year to be recognised and sanctioned by the world governing body for cycling – the UCI, which puts the event on the world "Cycling for all" calendar.

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