CYCLISTS are being urged to show their support for this year’s Macmillan Bike Ride by signing up early and buying one of the event’s specially-commissioned jerseys.

Organisers hope to attract 1,000 entrants to the Daily Echo-backed charity cycle, which has a fundraising target of £100,000 for 2017.

This year’s jersey has been sponsored by the Westover Group, which officially launched its support for the ride in 2016. The ride is also backed by luxury yacht builder Sunseeker International.

Event organiser Peter Smith-Nicholls said: “I am very grateful to Westover Group for sponsoring the jersey this year.

“Every year we produce one for the event, and when the cyclists buy them for £30 all that money goes straight to the charity. That is thanks to the sponsors.

“We’ve been doing these cycling jerseys for about 12 years now, and each year we seem to sell more which is great. A large proportion of people taking part wear them on the day but we’re encouraging people to sign up now, get the jersey on and get out there wearing it.”

To date, around 130 riders are signed up to the charity ride, set for July 2.

Alongside financial assistance, Westover will also provide two cars to help organisers and volunteers on the day of the ride.

The ride was started by Peter in 1989, the year after he cycled from John o’ Groats to Land’s End following the death of his father from cancer.

Many of the people taking part in the ride have personal reasons for doing so, many of their friends and family have battled the disease. Some 42 people took part in the very first Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride, raising £2,500 between them.

The event now attracts hundreds of riders and since 1989 has raised in excess of £1m for Macmillan Cancer Support.

MacMillan Cancer Support works to help cancer patients, from the moment they are diagnosed, and their families through treatment and beyond.

Westover Group marketing manager Mark Whittham said: “We’re currently rallying a company team to take on the challenge of the Macmillan Dorset Ride - interest is growing so we’re hoping for a strong Westover turn out on the day.”

The charity ride includes a number of routes, starting at Corfe Mullen, including the 10-mile, 25-mile, 38-mile, 48-mile, 60-mile and 100-mile distances.

Visit macmillanbikeride.com for further details.