KEEN amateur cyclists are being urged to sign up for a mass ride as part of this year's Tour of Britain, which returns to Worcestershire in October.

Places are now available in the Tour Ride in Worcestershire following the success of last year's event, which attracted almost 800 cyclists.

The ride, on Sunday, October 9, will once again start and finish in Worcester, with three route options of 40, 75 and 100 miles.

All three routes have been revised and improved for the 2016 event, and will once again combine roads along the River Severn with climbs in the Malvern Hills.

Last year's event included an appearance by 75-year-old cycling legend Hugh Porter, winner of four world titled, more than any other rider in history.

Past entrants of the Tour Ride have already had the chance to sign up for this year's event at a special loyalty discount orate, nut new riders can take advantage of an early bird offer of entry for just £32 by registering before Wednesday, March 23.

"We are very pleased to be returning to Worcestershire with the Tour Ride and to continue our work with our partners in the county,” said Tour of Britain race director Mick Bennett.

"With entries open already, we hope people will be able to sign-up now and make one of our routes a key part of their cycling challenge in 2016. By entering now riders will have eight months to get in training for their chosen route and make the most of the experience.”

Riders can sign up by visiting britishcycling.org.uk. Full details of all three routes, including Ordnance Survey mapping, profiles and GPX files will be available from the site this month.

The Tour Ride, which was launched in 2009, is the official sportive of the Tour of Britain, giving amateur cyclists the chance to have the professional experience and enjoy a full supported ride with feed stations en route, support vehicles and mechanics from the Tour providing support for riders.