CYCLISTS are being urged to saddle-up for a major fundraiser.

Manorlands, the Sue Ryder hospice in Oxenhope, is staging its annual Bronte Sportive on Sunday.

Riders can choose from four routes, taking in sections of the course followed by the Tour de France Grand Depart competitors two years ago.

For beginners there is a 23-mile ride, which includes Haworth’s famous Main Street and Penistone Hill.

There are more-challenging routes of 54.5 and 71.5 miles.

And for those participants seeking the ultimate test, an 88-mile ‘Bronte Monster’ course is recognised as one of the toughest in the UK for sportive riders.

All the rides start at Keighley College.

The event, now in its seventh year, normally attracts up to 300 entrants.

Sponsorship is being provided by Saltaire-based All Terrain Cycles.

Manorlands-based Sue Ryder fundraiser, Andrew Wood, said: “This is always a fantastic event and has become even more popular since the Grand Depart, with cycling enthusiasts from Yorkshire and beyond turning out to tackle what is a challenging but stunning route.

“We are really grateful to All Terrain Cycles for its support and hope the event will raise much-needed funds for our incredible care for patients here in West Yorkshire.”

Riders can sign-up in advance, for £20, or on the day for £25.

Participants raising more than £50 in sponsorship will be entered into a prize draw with the chance of winning cycling-related goodies from All Terrain Cycles.

Tony Booth, managing director of All Terrain Cycles, said: “We’re proud to be supporting one of the region’s top cycling events.

“Whether you’re a relative novice or a more experienced rider, it’s a fantastic sportive covering some of the best cycling routes in Yorkshire – and it’s all for a great cause.”

Visit sueryder.org/brontesportive, e-mail andrew.wood@sueryder.org or call 01535 640176 for more details and to enter.

Manorlands also organises the All Terrain Cycles-sponsored Bronte Mountain Bike Challenge, which this year takes place on September 18. More details can be found on the Bronte Sportive web page.

The hospice costs more than £8,000 a day to run.