Riders, icons and local dignitaries came together to promote next month's Tour of Britain stage on the Isle of Wight yesterday (Thursday).
Event ambassador and Tour de France stage winner Dan Martin was among a star-studded turnout in Ryde yesterday, with local cycling hero Tim Wiggins riding part of the route, which culminates at the Needles.
The Tour of Britain will become one of the highest profile sporting events to take place on Isle of Wight soil when the eight-stage race finishes here on Sunday September 11.
Dan told IW Radio:
"Hopefully this will bring a massive tourism boost to the Island, the race is broadcast all over the world.
"If we have another beautiful day like today then everyone can see what an amazing place this is.
"It's a very challenging race and the Isle of Wight stage is sure to be a test for the Peloton!"
The final stage promises to be unforgettable for riders and fans alike, owing to the spectacular 148.9 kilometre route from Ryde to The Needles.
Around 120 riders from 18 teams will partake in the action, with a different good cause highlighted for each individual race day.
Matt White from Mountbatten - the chosen charity for the Island stage - revealed how important the support is for the Newport based end of life charity.
He said:
"We're delighted to be involved and very grateful to the organisers for this.
"This is a huge opportunity both for the Isle of Wight and ourselves as a charity.
"It costs £10m a year to make sure our services are free to anyone on the Island, so any way we can share messages about what we do are really important to us."
Mountbatten has created a commemorative sunflower to mark the occasion, which will soon be able to purchase online, or at event villages on the day.
Ryde Town Mayor, Michael Lilley, meanwhile, waxed lyrical about the importance of occasions like this, saying:
"The Tour of Britain celebrates life and we need to look at inspiration, creativity and innovation in the light of recent challenges.
"Every Wednesday young people have access to special biking sessions in Ryde and the Town Council is recycling old bikes to give out free to people as well.
"We're even making sculptures out of old rusty bits!"
More information on the Tour of Britain's final stage and how you can get involved is available to view online.
Can You Help Police To Identify Man Linked To Waitrose Theft?
Ryde Town Council In Crackdown On Dog Fouling
Former Patient Opens New Intensive Care Unit
Isle Of Wight Primary School Place Allocations Announced For September
The Rules Islanders Need To Know For Police And Crime Commissioner Election Postal Voting
Family Pays Tribute To Paul Hart Following Fatal Newport Collision
Teenager Sentenced For Planning Isle Of Wight Festival Terrorist Attack
Isle Of Wight Gin Company Wins Medal At 2024 London Spirits Competition
Yellow Weather Warning Issued For Isle Of Wight
Police Confirm Bembridge Beach Discovery 'Not Human Remains' Despite Reports To Contrary
Police Investigation Updated Following Discovery Of Body
Spitfires To Soar As Part Of D-Day Commemoration At IW Armed Forces Day
Another Accolade For Wight Knuckle Brewery At National Independent Beer Awards
Uninsured, Unlicensed And Unruly: Man Charged Following Newport Collision
Monitoring Equipment To Be Installed On Leeson Road Next Week
Free Swimming Sessions Available For Isle Of Wight Residents
MISSING: Alan Souter, 62, From Freshwater
More Than 2,500 Vehicles Seized Across Hampshire And Isle Of Wight
