PARALYMPIC champion rower Naomi Riches is one of 600 riders taking on the Marlow Red Kite Ride when the sold-out event returns on Sunday.

Starting in Marlow, the ride offers riders a choice of three routes – 50, 80 and 100 miles – all three featuring steady climbs and flatter sections through lush countyrside in the Chiltern Hills and Thames Valley.

The family-friendly event is again supported by British Cycling, with organising club Marlow Riders encouraging Marlovians to take to the streets to cheer on competitors taking on the gruelling challenge.

Rod Woodland of Marlow Riders said: "Our ethos is ‘Cycling for All’. And this came about because all of the clubs around us have that competitive edge and we wanted to offer a little more.

"We wanted to offer local people the opportunity to just come along and enjoy their cycling whatever their ability."

Riders will be leaving in batches of from 7.30am onwards until 10am, with cyclists looping back into Marlow, across the bridge and towards the finish at Marlow Sports Club from around 1pm.

Marlow Riders say they are also proud to be associated with their nominated charity this year 'Cyclists Fighting Cancer', which will receive all profits from the event.

Rider Steve Tolmie said: “It’s particularly poignant for us as our club has sadly lost two of our members during the past year to cancer and in some small way we can help some of the younger cancer sufferers in the community by supporting this really worthwhile charity.”