Cyclists will get the chance to ride part of the route of the Friends Life Tour of Britain, just days before the stars of world cycling race into the county.

Wiltshire Council, in partnership with Bike Events, is organising a cycling celebration, the Wiltshire 100/Big Wheel.

Hundreds of people have already signed up to tackle one of three routes on Sunday 7 September, from a 12-mile family-friendly circuit, a 45-mile route or a 100-mile challenge, on the day the Friends Life Tour of Britain begins.

The Wiltshire 100/Big Wheel has grown over the past three years.

Last year more than 500 people took part and entries are already up on 12 months ago as Wiltshire Council continues to encourage communities to enjoy the benefits of cycling and promote the many beautiful cycling routes across the county.

The fourth Wiltshire 100/Big Wheel starts and finishes at The Small Green, in Devizes.

The event is fully marshalled and supported, including a mechanic’s van on the routes.

There are also feed stations and rest stops with cyclists encouraged to use the event to raise money for their favourite charity.

Places are still available and to enter go to www.bike-events.co.uk Wiltshire Council is also promoting a series of free guided bike rides in the county in partnership with British Cycling.

Weekly Sky Rides feature a trained ride leader taking guided rides on planned routes to appeal to cyclists of all abilities and all the family and offer routes from ‘easy to challenging’.

Steady Sky Rides are the Old Sarum Circular in Salisbury at 10am on Sunday, Le Tour de Trowbridge at 2pm next Sunday (September 14) and Devizes to All Cannings Loop at 10am on September 21.

Find your nearest Sky Ride: www.goskyride.com