Manchester was the official site of the United Kingdom's largest timed cycling event with over 8,000 participants pedaling away in a competition that combined endurance, determination and human spirit. With ranges from half marathons, marathons and double marathons, the cyclists were in for a significant challenge but one catered to their abilities. In all, the event was an impressive show of human capacity and athleticism.

The Great Manchester Cycle, officially the UK’s largest timed cycling event, took place yesterday [Sunday 30 June] with 8,000 riders taking to the city’s closed roads in ideal conditions.

Olympic Gold medallist Joanna Rowsell, along with a team of stars from Emmerdale, were amongst those on the start line to tackle the event. The 13-mile circuit took in several districts of Manchester, allowing riders the chance to see the city on two wheels from an entirely new perspective. It also included the unique opportunity to ride a section of Mancunian Way – normally strictly off limits to cyclists.

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