WIRRAL'S annual bicycle charity ride is on target to break all records in its 10th anniversary year . . .

More than 1,100 cyclists of all ages are set to pedal off in the milestone Wirral Leukaemia Research Bikeathon on Sunday (June 8) from 9.30am onwards.

"The response has been tremendous," said spokesman Ernie McCauley.

"It will be a record entry and we are hoping to mark this special milestone by taking the total amount of money raised in 10 years to the £500,000 mark.

"That would be a magnificent achievement for a charity that quite obviously is so close to many people's hearts."

He added: To-date this event has raised £415,000 for this great cause and we are aiming to raise another £85,000, which would be another new record, to bring our total over 10 years to an amazing half-a-million pounds."

The Bikeathon - the biggest annual cycling occasion of its kind on Wirral - has set new records in each of the last nine years, including 12 months ago when an astonishing £59,000 was raised.

Said Ernie: "It is not too late for cyclists to take part - entries will be accepted on the morning of the event, which is designed to be a fun day out for people of all ages."

Bikeathon organiser Gillian Creek wants as many cyclists as possible to turn their pedal power into cash to help fund vital research into leukaemia and blood cancers.

She said: "It is a perfect opportunity to get out, get fit and join the fight against blood cancers which affect thousands of people in the UK each year."

She added: "This is not a race but a chance for cyclists of all ages and abilities to come together for what should be an enjoyable occasion."

Money sponsored by family and friends of the cyclists is used to support the Leukaemia researchers at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital and the local haematology ward at Arrowe Park Hospital.

Patron of the Wirral Bikeathon is Hoylake Olympic gold medal cyclist Chris Boardman.

The event will again start and end in Arrowe Country Park, Upton.

The 26-mile route follows a figure of eight course through the Wirral peninsula with two sections each of about 13 miles combining public highways and off-road along the scenic Wirral Way.

Cyclists can elect to ride one or both sections.

Each cyclist receives a fundraising pack, a free T-shirt and a commemorative medal awaits each finisher.

Free refreshments will be available at checkpoints and more than 80 marshals will be stationed along the route.

Both Raynet and St John's Ambulance will be in attendance and K-Cycles, of Eastham, The Bike Shop, Moreton, and Snow + Rock, Eastham, will be providing a running repair service along the route.

Application packs can be obtained by going to www.wirralbikeathon.org.uk or by calling 632-0548 or 632-6619.

"Or people can just turn up on Sunday," said Ernie, "but we advise them to arrive in plenty of time to register."