MORE than 1,000 cyclists have already signed up for the first Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride to be held in Stoke-on-Trent.

Next month's event is being organised by the people behind the Tour Of Britain, which arrived in the city for the end of its West Midlands stage last year.

This time around, organisers promise it will be bigger and better than before, with the start and finish of stage five taking place in Stoke-on-Trent.

And with it comes the Tour Ride – an amateur event allowing cycling enthusiasts to cycle the same route as the pros.

The charity ride takes place on September 6, just 10 days before the professional race. It will have three different routes, the full 83-mile, a 43-mile ride, or a family course of 12 miles.

Each one starts and finishes at the Britannia Stadium. And more than 1,000 cyclists have registered to take part.

Tour ride event director, Kevin Nash, said: "We have people coming from all over the country, from Aberdeen to Devon. We even have someone travelling from Switzerland.

"We already have a seven-year-old doing the 12-mile route, and a 75-year-old doing the 43-mile."

The three rides have been designed for cyclists of different strengths.

The Pro Tour Ride is for experienced riders who must be over 16, follows the pro route over 83 miles through a hilly course and costs £40 per rider;

The Challenge Tour Ride, for over-14s only, is a 43-mile route through mainly gentle or rolling terrain and costs £30;

The Family Tour Ride has no age limit and is a 12-mile ride along generally flat roads, towpaths and bridleways. Entry costs £5 per rider.

Derek Capey, cabinet member for sport and leisure, pictured below, said: "The Tour of Britain is the biggest free sporting event in this country and for it to start and finish in this city is a real coup."

Railway controller George Davidson, from Crewe, was diagnosed with prostate cancer six years ago and will take on the 43-mile challenge with sons, Jason, 23, and Matthew, 19. The 53-year-old underwent successful surgery to remove his tumour.

He said: "Having gone through prostate cancer, I think it's really important to raise awareness of the disease and Tour Ride is a great way to spread the message.

John Neate, chief executive of The Prostate Cancer Charity, said: "The events will offer fun and unique experiences whether people have a personal reason for supporting the cause, like George and his family, wish to pit themselves against the pros, or just want a great day out with the family."

Competition

TO mark the Tour Of Britain coming to North Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, in association with The Sentinel, is offering a top-of-the-range bike from Burslem-based Brian Rourke Cycles.

The exact size and model of the bike will be chosen to match the needs of the winner.

To be in with a chance of winning the bike and a Tour Of Britain jersey, answer the following question correctly:

Which cyclist who recently came a record-breaking fourth in the Tour De France will be riding in the Tour Of Britain this year?

Send your answers on a postcard marked Tour Of Britain Competition, complete with your name, address and a daytime contact number to Nicola Irwin, The Sentinel, Forge Lane, Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 5SS, or enter online by completing the box below by noon on Friday, September 11. The usual Sentinel terms apply.