CYCLISTS battled through heavy rain in the King Alfred Statue- to-Statue race last Sunday.

About 180 riders, aged from 15 to 65, raced the route from Wantage to Winchester.

The challenge was to cycle from the King Alfred statue in Market Place, Wantage, to the statue in the centre of Winchester.

Riders took between three and eight hours to complete the 54-mile ride.

Andy Crawford, Wantage town and district councillor, said: “The weather was horrible. It was pouring with rain and there was a southerly wind all the way for the cyclists.

“Everyone had a good time despite several punctures along the way.”

Mr Crawford said the event started where King Alfred was born and finished at the landmark where he was king.

He said: “This event was organised from Winchester’s end as a result of some friends of mine who did the ride a few years ago.

“We felt it was appropriate to make it more of a regular event. This was the dry run for a much bigger ride we are holding next year to mark the 900th anniversary of Hyde Abbey’s King Alfred Palace.”

The King Alfred’s Head, in Market Place, opened its doors earlier last Sunday so that the cyclists were well fuelled for their haul. It provided teas, coffees and bacon sandwiches.

Refreshments were also provided along the way to help the riders battle on through the awful conditions.

Alison Rooke, chairman of the Vale of the White Horse District Council, set the cyclists on their way.

Mr Crawford added: “It was great to have the ride set off from Wantage. It brought life and vitality into the Market Place on a day when it is often quiet.”