More than 100 cyclists flocked to Bolton to raise thousands for two vital causes.

They started  the ride at Smithills School for the Big Lancs Charity Sportive, which was made up of three scenic and challenging routes across Lancashire.

The event, organised by UK Sportives, managed to raise a total of £2240.64, to be split equally between Wheels for All Bolton and Cancer Research UK for Kieran’s Krew, which raises money for research into brain cancer.

UK Sportives co-organiser Emma Flynn said: “Thank you to the riders for trusting us to deliver a testing and well organised event. 

“Feedback from the participants has been fantastic, with the majority wanting to take part in the next one, with their friends, so it’ll be even bigger next time!

The Bolton News: Portfolio founder and creative director Darren ClarePortfolio founder and creative director Darren Clare (Image: Kenland Media Relations)

“The friendliness of our volunteers, access to mechanics around the course and well supplied feed stations were all commented on.”

The routes across Lancashire ranged from 30, 60 and 100 miles in distance taking in locations all  across the county and allowing people of different ability levels to take part.

Ms Flynn said: “The sun shining on our beautiful county was the icing on the cake.

“You can see the smiles on the faces of all those who took part in our social media photo gallery.

“We’d like to say a big thank you to local businesses and community groups and our wonderful volunteers for their help in making the event a success.”

UK Sportives is a Bolton based not-for-profit company created by Darren Clare, Emma Flynn and Marc Ramsden.  

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All three have a long-standing interest in long distance triathlon and work together at design agency Portfolio.

Mr Clare, Portfolio’s founder and creative director, says he came up with the Big Lancs Charity Sportive ides as another way of putting his sporting interests to use raising money for nearby charities, which has long been an interest of his.

Together, Mr Clare, Ms Flynn and Mr Ramsden are planning other cycling events to support more charity beneficiaries in the future and say that the next event could possibly be held as early as this summer. 

To keep track of future events organised by the group follow @uksportives on Instagram.