THE oppressive heat failed to stop more than 1,000 hardy fundraisers from gearing up for an annual cycle challenge.

St Michael’s Hospice’s biggest fundraiser of the year, its annual Big Wheel, was held at Down Grange Sports Complex on Sunday with 1,032 entrants taking part.

Starting with the 65 mile route at 9am, riders set off from Down Grange Sports Complex to spend a summer’s day riding through the Hampshire countryside whilst raising funds for north Hampshire’s only adult hospice.

There were five different routes going on in sizes from 65 miles to five while for those not yet ready to take on the five-mile route, there was even a Little Wheel which took place entirely at Down Grange.

The event, now in its 26th year, has so far raised £25,000 but with more pledges of sponsorship to come, it is hoped £52,000 will be raised overall.

Laura Hughes, events manager at the hospice, said: “The whole day went really well - the 65-mile route was still the most popular, despite the heatwave.

“One of my colleagues was talking to one of the guys that did the very first Big Wheel and he was still entering which was lovely to see.”

One group which came in for particular praise was the Hatch Warren Beggarwood Cycling Club which entered a team of dozens into the challenge.

Elsewhere, there were stalls selling the all-important refreshments and ice cream while cycling specialists were also present, such as Frog Bikes and Precision Cycles, at Down Grange.