15,000 turn out for Skyride Manchester

An estimated 15,000 people turned out for the first of satellite broadcaster Sky's mass-particiation rides, Skyride Manchester.

British Olympic gold medallists Victoria Pendleton, Jason Kenny and Ed Clancy all saddled up for the 10km ride, which ran from Albert Square to Manchester Velodrome and back on closed roads.

Along with the main ride, there were several other events taking placein Manchester as part of the event, including BMX stunt display, fancy dress parade and stands offering fitness advice.

The Skyride events are part of Sky and British Cycling's joint aim to get one million more people out cycling regularly by 2013.

Four further Skyride events will take place this summer:

9 August, Skyride Hounslow

23 August, Skyride Glasgow

30 August, Skyride Leicester

20 September, Skyride London

In addition to these large city-based rides, there are many local rides on offer all around the UK. You can find out more at www.goskyride.com.

Related links

Skyride: Sky launches first step in new cycling programme

British Cycling and Sky want one million people on their bikes