CRICKET legend David Gower was among those cheering on more than 850 riders at the 25th Daily Echo-backed Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride on Sunday.

They turned out despite the heat to ride routes ranging from 10 miles to 100 miles. Organisers hope yesterday’s event will raise more than £80,000 for the cancer charity.

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David, who captained England to victory over Australia in the Ashes, was due to tackle the 25-mile route, but an injury picked up in training forced him to abandon his plans.

“I tweaked my calf the other day trying to get ready for it,” he told the Daily Echo. “So I’ve had to sit this one out.

“But I’ve been down here helping direct people, giving them moral support and doing a few photos. It has been a fantastic day.

“I was introduced to the ride about ten years ago and initially it was a case of just giving a little bit of moral support, but I’ve been able to ride on it a couple of times as well.”

The charity ride, that has raised £1million since it was launched in 1989, offered cyclists the chance to complete 10, 25, 38, 48, 60 or 100 miles along the River Stour and the Charborough Estate.

Ride organiser Peter Smith-Nicholls said earlier: “The weather certainly brought everyone out, although it may be quite tough going up and down those hills on the 100-mile route.

“We were pushing the 25-mile ride this year, as it is our 25th anniversary. I’d like to say thank you to everyone who has helped and taken part today, and, of course, all those people who have sponsored a rider.”

David added: “Peter and all his helpers have done a fantastic job, it is great to see the numbers going up and up.”