Women are being encouraged to follow the example of the world’s cycling elite and use pedal power to raise money for a Suffolk hospice.

Inspired by the first international Women’s Tour of Britain, which ended in Bury St Edmunds last year and will start from the town this June, local female cyclists also took to the county’s roads in aid of St Nicholas Hospice Care.

The Women on Wheels event, which last year saw 100 participants collect almost £3,270 for the charity, will return this July, and female cyclists are being urged to get in shape and sign up for either a five, 20 or 50 mile route through countryside cycle paths around Bury, starting at Nowton Park.

Those who have already committed to donning Lycra for the cause attended a launch event at West Suffolk Athletics Arena on Sunday.

They took part in their first training session and had their bikes checked by event sponsors Revel Outdoors.

Among them was Women on Wheels ride ambassador Sarah Stamp, St Edmundsbury Borough Council’s cabinet member for leisure, culture and heritage.

She said: “Most of us know someone who has been cared for by the hospice, or their families who have been helped through what is a very difficult time in their lives, so why not put your power to the pedal and help raise money for this great local cause?”

The ride, which will take place on Sunday, July 5, is being organised by Abbeycroft Leisure in partnership with Mildenhall Cycling Club, West Suffolk Wheelers and Triathlon Club, Suffolk Sport, Cycle Suffolk and the hospice.

The aim is to encourage more women to get on their bikes – and to help inspire Suffolk to become ‘England’s Most Active County’.

Ann Williamson, from Mildenhall Cycling Club, described the race as a brilliant opportunity for women to take part in a social bike ride while raising money for the hospice.

She said: “The atmosphere at last year’s event was electric – 100 ladies all sharing in a unique event.

“It isn’t often that we get the chance to ride together in an organised event solely for women so let’s see if we can do better this year and double the number of riders.”

To register for the Women on Wheels ride, visit www.stnicholashospice.org.uk/wow. Entry is £15.

Meanwhile, Bury has been chosen to host the start of this year’s five day Women’s Tour of Britain, which will kick off from Angel Hill on Wednesday, June 17.