Hundreds take part in Red Kite Ride

Hundreds of riders braved the elements for a charity cycling event through Marlow and the Chiltern Hills.

The annual Red Kite Ride, which is now in its fifth year, saw almost 650 amateur athletes cross the finish line at Marlow Bridge on Sunday, including Jonathan Froome, elder brother of Tour de France winner Chris Froome.

Entrants had the option of tacking a 50, 80 or 100 mile route.

Highlights from the latest edition included a 30-metre river crossing of the River Loddon, near Twyford – a welcome change from last year’s talking point, when dozens were forced off the road by a mystery saboteur who scattered drawing pins across the route.

And it also raised about £9,000 for the Wheels for All scheme, run by the Cycle Project charity.

Colin Lavis, sportive director of the event, said: “It went fantastically, perhaps the best we’ve had so far.

“We go out of our way to work with the local community and respective councils, who have all been very helpful.

“And this year has been exceptional, with no reported incidents and just a handful of people who couldn’t quite make it through the ford.”

Visit www.marlowredkiteride.co.uk to find out more about the event.