A FESTIVAL of cycling drew thousands of spectators to Winchester city centre on Sunday.

It was a chance to celebrate all things on two wheels with The Broadway converted into both a space for bicycle stunts and stalls for local clubs and organisations.

There was also serious road racing on a now well-established circuit around the city centre taking in the High Street and backs roads through to the Square.

As with all cycle racing there were the occasional mishaps and crashes although no-one was seriously hurt.

Winchester City Council is working hard to promote cycling both as a way of easing congestion and pollution and also for its health benefits. It estimated that 3,000 people attended the event with 319 riders for the Criterium and 331 taking part in the family ride.

It was sponsored by Hargroves Cycles, South Downs National Park and Winchester Motor Company.