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Skyride hits the streets of Manchester this Sunday - and cyclist Victoria Pendleton wants you involved!

Manchester is first of five city events to register for

Victoria Pendleton will be back in the saddle alongside thousands of cyclists when Skyride hits the streets of Manchester this Sunday. Olympic Gold Medalist Pendleton hopes the free event, which aims to get people of all ages and abilities back on their bikes, will pave the way for a greener, healthier future. "Cycling is such an easy way to stay fit and healthy because you can take your bike with you wherever you go," said Pendleton, who will be joined at the event by TV presenter Gethin Jones. "I'm really proud to be involved in the Skyride campaign and particularly excited about taking part in the Manchester event, as it's the home of British Cycling. So come down and join me for a fun-packed family day out."

Skills

The many highlights of Skyride Manchester - full details of which can be found at www.goskyride.com include: Olympic Cycling - Experience cycling at the Velodrome, the home of British Cycling. Skyride Street Zone - Professional BMX riders like former world No.1 flatland bmx champion Sam Foakes, pictured below jumping over Gethin Jones, and cyclists will be performing tricks with the opportunity for members of the public to take a course in stunt riding! Skyride Style Zone - Your chance to give your bike a free make over using the most up to date designs and accessories. Skyride Active Zone - Cycle Sprint Challenge - There will be an opportunity to try out cycle sprinting on Watt bikes - used to measure power - and compete against friends and family as well as beat celebrity sprint times. Skyride Family - Fun, safe area for kids and families. Children can learn new bike skills with free Go Ride sessions from British Cycling professionals.

Heroes

Skyride Manchester will take in a traffic-free route along Bloom Street, Store Street and Old Mill Street passing Albert Square, the Town Hall, Chinatown and Sportscity Stadium on the way and will feature designated 'hub points' to allow people to join in. Councillor Mike Amesbury, Manchester City Council's Executive Member for Culture and Leisure said: "The opportunity to cycle around Manchester's world famous velodrome, which has made heroes of the British Cycling team including Sir Chris Hoy is a fantastic opportunity." Corin Dimopoulos, Sky's Director of Cycling, added: "I'm very excited about the first of our Skyride events and can't wait to get to Manchester to join in the action. This is just the start; our aim is to get one million more Britons cycling regularly by the end of 2013."

Registration

Skyride Manchester is the first in a series of five city events taking place across the country - events will also take place in Glasgow, Leicester, Hounslow and central London over the summer. These will run alongside a series of over 400 smaller local and guided rides, led by fully trained coaches from British Cycling, with over 100 taking place in and around Manchester. Registration for Skyride Manchester is easy - simply visit www.goskyride.com now to get involved.