RESIDENTS in Wiltshire, young and old, will be strapping on their helmets and jumping on their bikes once again in October, as the Cycle Wiltshire Sportive returns for its third year.

The popular event takes place on October 2 this year, and promises to be bigger and better.

The cycling festival, now an established event in the Wiltshire calendar, takes place from the new Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre in Salisbury, with routes available for all levels of ability.

Complete with additional activities and entertainment, the new facilities at Five Rivers will also host a range of exciting opportunities for the whole family to enjoy throughout the day including cycling activities, facility tours, fun challenges, face painting, a bouncy castle, and more.

Places on the sportive routes are now open. There are three to choose from, including a special family route.

They are a 85 mile route - £30pp, 43 mile route - £25pp, 10 mile route - £10pp or £20 for a family ticket.

Children are permitted to ride on the 43 and 10 mile route with an accompanying adult for £5.

For those who want to compete in teams there are other pricing structures, available online.

Wiltshire Council cabinet member for leisure, Jonathon Seed said: “Once again the Olympics, and especially the British cycling team, has inspired us all with their record-breaking exploits.

“Success like this really does create a legacy and an enthusiasm, just as it has done in Wiltshire since 2012, and it encourages people to get active.

“Cycling is proving to be as popular as ever in Wiltshire, and this event gives people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to get on their bike and take in some stunning sights.

“For those with more of a competitive spirit, the 85 mile route should certainly provide a challenge but one which will be very enjoyable.”

The event is part of the council's Legacy for Wiltshire initiative, which focuses on encouraging people to keep fit and active, bringing local communities together and boosting the local economy.

Visit cyclewiltshire.org.uk to register for the sportive and for more information.

People can also find Cycle Wiltshire on Facebook and on Twitter following @cyclewiltshire using #CycleWilts