MORE than 190 cyclists took part in a tribute route for a former Cotswold School pupil.

On Saturday, July 7, cyclists took part in the first ever Sharon Laws Sportive.

Sharon Laws was a former pupil at the school and was a British professional cyclist who only turned professional at the age of 33.

Her ability was noted, with British Cycling asking her to join the team for the Beijing Olympics that took place in 2006.

In late 2016, Sharon became ill with cervical cancer and died on December 16, 2017, aged only 43.

Taking place at The Cotswold School, the event featured three cycle routes, a family route of 14.3 miles, the 43-mile Sharon Laws tribute route, and a more challenging route of 76-miles.

Joy Laws, Sharon’s Mother, unveiled a plaque in a fitting tribute to her daughter at 10am and then opened the shorter family route.

Will Morgan, principal of Cotswold School said: “It was an early start, but a busy and happy event on a glorious summer’s day.

"In a fitting tribute, Joy spoke about her daughter’s achievements and unveiled the plaque. We were both honoured and delighted to have her there and for her support to us in the lead up to the event. "We can announce that an amazing £5,000 has been raised to date.”

The money raised will go towards Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and The Cotswold School new sports and events pavilion.

Joy added: “This disease can be eradicated.

"If we can fundraise for further research and increase the vaccination programme, we can eradicate cervical cancer.”

The date chosen was to celebrate Sharon’s date of birth and the 43-mile tribute route, to mark one mile for every year of Sharon’s life.

The event will return again next year, July 6.