MORE than 80 employees from Dyson’s Malmesbury headquarters have signed up to take on next week’s mammoth cycling event through the Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Welsh countryside in aid of Alzeheimer’s Research UK.

The record number of riders will each tackle either a 60 or a 100-mile route on Wednesday, September 6, crossing the Severn Bridge before heading back to Malmesbury.

They are all being supported by the Cirencester cycling shop Performance Cycles who will be on hand on the day to help fix any mechanical issues and transport food and supplies.

The group are hoping to beat last year’s fundraising efforts of £10,500, half of which was matched by the James Dyson Foundation.

Daniel Knox, a senior design engineer and one of the event’s organisers, said: “It’s going to be another great year for the Tour de Dyson, particularly as we have more people than ever before taking part.

“It’s an event that gets lots of interest, so we wanted to do something this year that allowed more people to sign up.

“We’re really pleased with the numbers so far and we’re sure there will be a few more on the day.

“It does take a lot of organising, particularly planning the routes, but it’s all worthwhile and helped by the other committee members that help run the Dyson Cycling Club.

“What makes Tour de Dyson even better is the fact that we’re fundraising for a great cause.

“Dyson voted for Alzheimer’s Research UK to be the charity partner once again because so many people are affected, whether directly or indirectly, by dementia.”

To support the Tour de Dyson team, go to justgiving.com/companyteams/ Tourdedyson2017