CYCLISTS are racing to sign up to one of the biggest mass participation events in south Cumbria.

The Tour de Furness will see novice riders and enthusiasts take to the roads on Sunday September 11 and so far more than 100 people have pledged their participation.

With just over a month to go until the ride, organisers are on track for a big turnout as the number signed up at this stage is higher than ever before.

Different routes offer different challenges to riders and families, friends and work colleagues are being encouraged to form their own teams.

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Geoff James, organiser of the event, has been impressed by the response so far.

He said: "Entries are coming in nicely and sponsors are coming forward.

"We are busy working on the project. We've had over 100 people sign up.

"We have got more signed up at this point in time than this point last year which is brilliant."

The start and finish of all four routes will be at Roose Conservative Club.

The longest ride is 50 miles long and will see cyclists travel along the coast road to Ulverston, then take the A590, the A5902, around Coniston Water and back. Unsurprisingly, it is aimed at ultra enthusiasts.

A 23-mile route is available for riders looking for a challenge and a 13-mile route is available for families and the leisure cyclist.

There is also an event aimed at the Chris Froomes and Lizzie Armitstead of the future, with a five-mile route to Rampside and back designed for children.

The event is organised by the Rotary Club of Furness and has grown in popularity every year since it began in 1996.

How to sign up

Anyone over the age of 10, of average fitness and with a bike in roadworthy condition, can enter the 13, 25 and 50 mile routes.

The entrance fee for adults is £10. Under-16s go for free but must be accompanied by an adult, while over-65s can take part for £5.

To register and for sponsor forms, visit here .

Registration forms are also available at Topmark Cycles in Greengate Street, Barrow.

The address for paper entries is Topmark Cycles, 108 Greengate Street, Barrow, LA14 1BG.

All entries must be received by the last Saturday in August.

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Tour de Furness in numbers

- First edition in 1996

- Four different routes

- 20th anniversary celebration in 2015

- Youngest rider to take part in the 50 mile route in 2015 was just 11

- 630 participants signed up in 2015

- More than 35 charities helped