A charity has reported a rise in the number of women joining their annual Suffolk Sportive cycle event in the wake of the high-profile Women Tour passing through the county.

Ipswich Star: Suffolk Cycle Sportive for St Elizabeth Hospice at Alton Water.Suffolk Cycle Sportive for St Elizabeth Hospice at Alton Water. (Image: Sarah Lucy brown)

More than 200 cyclists saddled up at Alton Water on Sunday, with the ambitious taking on the 80-mile course and families enjoying a more leisurely 10-mile circuit, all in aid of St Elizabeth’s Hospice.

Events manager, Joanne Rodger, said: “It was a shame that the rain came down so heavily this morning, it only stopped when the cyclists were coming back in.”

However, the event is still thought to have raiosed thousands for the Ipswich-based hospice.

Ms Rodgers added: “We saw an increase in women taking part this year compared to last and hopefully having more national events passing through will inspire even more people to take up the sport.”