THERE was a sea of Lycra in Wantage as record numbers of world-class and amateur cyclists took part in a mountain bike marathon in Memorial Park.

A total of 730 people took to two wheels in the latest round of the the Scott MTV Marathon Series 2015, a set of five marathons held across seven UK venues over the summer.

It is the first time the event has been held in Wantage and saw the highest-ever number of people turn out to a new venue.

Gareth Rowland, director of sponsoring firm Cycle-tec, said: “We have never operated in this part of the country before and were a little bit nervous because of the terrain, but the riders are loving it. We will definitely be back.”

Cyclists could do a full 75km marathon, a 50km half-marathon or 25km mini-marathon. There was also a 100km ‘moster’ route. And although billed as a mountain bike marathon, a few competitors even went along with racing bikes.

Mr Rowland added: “We have two Olympians, a world champion and eight-year-olds with 16-inch kiddy bikes. Joe Bloggs can rub shoulders with the best. It’s not intimidating, but a family festival.”