An exciting summer of cycling almost came to an abrupt end as a suspected sabotage attempt was made at the annual Marlow charity-ride.

Dozens of frustrated cyclists taking part in the Marlow Red Kite Ride on Sunday were forced off the road after pins were scattered on the ride route between the villages of Oakley and Brill, in what appears to be an attempt to disrupt the event.

Organisers acted immediately to remove the pins from the B4011 and notified the police, while other cyclists attempted to dodge the danger.

Event director, Steve Tomlie said: “It’s incredibly disappointing that a narrow minded individual has attempted to spoil the day for a large group of people. And it could have been considerably worse.

“A cyclist could have received a serious injury as a result of this attempt. We reported this to Thames Valley Police immediately and they take incidents like this very seriously.”

Jamie Baker, from the Marlow Riders said: “It’s a concern that whoever did this is someone who just doesn’t like cyclists, and took the law in to their own hands.

“I live in a village so I can understand there may be a certain frustration when cyclists are around all the time, but there are lots of hills in Brill so it is naturally going to be a magnet for cyclists.”

However the saga failed to dampen the spirits of the 700 riders who took part in the sell-out event, which provides four different cycling routes, including a staggering 127 mile event.

Olly Hucks, 16, from Radnage, completed the longer course, designed by former Olympic Bronze medallist Willi Moore, and later revealed he even cycled the 10 miles from his home to the race.

Cyclists and spectators then gathered at the Marlow Sports Club following the ride to celebrate the success of the day with food and to soak up the ‘special atmosphere’ praised by organisers.

Mr Baker said: “Everyone really enjoyed the day and so many stayed behind to have burgers and beer, and some people got free massages. It was a really great atmosphere.”

This was the fourth consecutive year of the event organised by the Marlow Riders, and the second year it has raised money for Cyclists Fighting Cancer, a charity that helps young people fighting cancer regain their strength and fitness by supplying adapted bikes.

This is the fourth year of the event organised by the Marlow Riders, and for the second year running has raised money for Cyclists Fighting Cancer, a charity that helps youngsters fighting cancer regain their strength and fitness by supplying adapted bikes.

Organisers are confident that the money raised will exceed £7000, thrashing last year’s £5000.

And the team is urging that anyone who saw anything suspicious on the main B4011 near Oakley to contact police with any information.