Horse power was replaced by pedal power on the streets of Ipswich on Sunday as thousands of cyclists took part in the town’s Sky Ride.

More than 10,000 people of all ages and abilities made the most of the warm weather to take part in the 5km challenge, which started from outside the UCS building on the Waterfront and then made its way around the town centre.

As well as the riders, hundreds of spectators also turned out at the Waterfront to see the ride begin and also to see the start of the elite riders’ UCS Ipswich and Coastal Grand Prix get under way.

David Ellesmere, Ipswich Borough Council leader, was delighted with the response to the event from the public.

He said: “It is a fantastic event. We have been lucky with the weather and we have got some big names in the world of cycling coming here to Ipswich. It just shows the town at its best.

“I think this is a measure of how popular cycling is becoming now since the Tour De France and the Olympics.

“I have been speaking to a few people this morning and they have dug their bikes out of the shed, fixed the punctures and are going to be riding so that is excellent.

“We are getting more people interested in cycling and improving fitness and they get to see some great scenery as well.”

Ipswich mayor Hamil Clarke got both events started yesterday to cheers and applause from the gathered crowd.

Despite a spot of rain towards the end of the day, Jonathan Stephenson, one of the organisers of the event, felt it was a great success.

He added: “It is great to see families out here. Cycling is getting bigger and bigger and it is good to see Ipswich maximise on that and give people the chance to take part.”

Cycling fans also got the chance to see the time trial bike of British racing star Bradley Wiggins at the Cornhill, where people could tackle a 500 metre time trial on a stationary bike.