Round the Wrekin: Hundreds take part in popular cycle ride

Wolverhampton cycling legend Hugh Porter saddled up to join hundreds of fundraisers at a popular annual event.

Published May 20, 2018

Last updated May 20, 2018

Organiser Hugh Porter chats to some of the cyclists at the start line of Round the Wrekin

.The Round the Wrekin sportive saw around 700 cyclists set off from Kingswinford Rugby Club then travel through South Staffordshire and into Shropshire countryside. It is now in its third year and raises money for Compton Hospice.

It featured three rides of varying difficulty. The toughest task facing riders was the 100-mile ‘epic’ race, while there were also 64-mile and 25-mile rides.

Check out the pictures from Sunday's Round the Wrekin event:

Hugh Porter enjoys a chat at Dudley Kingswinford Rugby Club

Ian Austin sets off on the Round the Wrekin ride

Halesowen Cycling Club all set for the ride

Nick Preece, Colin Talbot and Christian Atherley from Stourbridge Cycling Club

Andrew Bailey, Len Hazelhurts and Stephen Tomlinson from Wolverhampton Racing Club

Friends Karl Grey, Dan Albanese, Adam Snowden and Carlo Matarazzo from Wolverhampton and Stafford

Cyclists were handed medals on completing the challenge. Four-time world pursuit champion Hugh, aged 78, also tackled the fundraiser.

As a Compton Hospice patron, he has supported the Round the Wrekin ride since it was formed. Mr Porter said he was hopeful of beating last year’s fundraising total of £28,000.

He said: “The weather was sensational and we had 700 take part, which is good. I’m really please with the support.

“I really enjoyed it. I’m living the dream. It’s great to be involved with raising money for such a fantastic charity.”