After a two-year break, Andover Cycling Festival is returning this year with sportive events in three categories.

The much-anticipated races will take place on July 11 (Sunday).

This year, the organisers are offering three rides in 80, 50 and 15 miles. There is also an Under 12s race on a closed circuit in Andover Town Centre.

The sportive race through the countryside will take the participants along scenic lanes in Hampshire, Wiltshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.

A message on the official website reads: “The event offers an ideal opportunity to reconnect with other cyclists again.

“Riders will follow similar routes from 2019, but there are some changes on the return journey back to Andover.”

Andover Town Centre is the starting and finishing point of the race.

The races for 80, 50 and 15 miles will take place at 8.30am, 9am and 9.30am respectively. The children’s event is at 10am.

Registration for all three sportive rides is open from 7am on July 11. This is located just past the Start Line, upstairs in the Guildhall, High Street – Post Code SP10 1NN. If dry weather then registration will take place outside the Guildhall.

Collingwood Medical Services will offer medical support for the event. There will be first aid available at the start and finish area.

The message further reads: “We also have a roaming Rapid Response Vehicle (RRV) service available for any on the road first aid requirements. Contact details will be listed on your start card.

“Mechanical support will be available at the start/finish area. There will also be a roving mechanic on the route, who will also be carrying a supply of spare tyres and inner tubes, with tool box etc.”

Although lockdown restrictions will be lifted by June 21, the organisers said they will still operate a system where plenty of distance will be available for riders and group starting.

For more information, visit https://andovercyclingfestival.uk/