MORE than 1,000 cyclists are expected to ride in to Oxford to take part in a new cycling festival.

The Bike Oxford event in September aims to promote cycling and attract cyclists to the city.

The inaugural festival on Sunday, September 7, will invite cyclists to Oxford University Rugby Club on Iffley Road to take part in one of three marked bike rides of 20, 50, or 80 miles.

Steve Baxter, from organising group Bike Oxford, said similar events had been a success elsewhere in the country.

He said: “The event has taken time to develop and we’ve been talking with key stakeholders in the city for some time.

“We are now able to announce our plans, launch the website and open registration.

“Our experience from organising Bike Bath and developing the Yorkshire Pedalthon mean we will bring to Oxford many of our findings from these events and we aim to create an iconic cycling event in this historic city.”

The event has been backed by Oxford City Council and British Cycling.

Colin Cook, board member for city development at the city council, welcomed news of the festival.

He said: “We are delighted to support the launch of Bike Oxford, a cycling festival which showcases not only the city but the surrounding countryside.

“The event will benefit the city in a number of ways and we look forward to welcoming cyclists and their friends and families for the weekend.”

Every cyclist who finishes the longer rides, which head into the Cotswolds, will be given a gift bag and award.

Nearer to the event, cycle club the Cowley Condors will be organising training rides for participants.

Club chairman Jon Revis said: “The members of Cowley Condors are pleased to be involved in Bike Oxford and we look forward to sharing our enthusiasm for cycling with those interested in taking up or developing their understanding of the sport.”

Bike Oxford will also make a £1 donation to national cycling promotion group Sustrans for every rider that enters.

Adam Hazell, from the Oxford Sustrans office, said: “Sustrans support the vision of the organisers and look forward to working with them as their plans unfold.

“We encourage all efforts to get more people using sustainable transport methods and this event represents one piece of the jigsaw.”