HUNDREDS of cyclists made their way through South Oxfordshire to raise money for Coppafeel, a charity which encourages young people to check for breast cancer.

Riders of all ages and abilities took part in the Classic Oxfordshire bike ride on Sunday, choosing from five routes ranging from 100 miles to a family-friendly 12-mile circuit.

All of the routes started and ended at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, near Didcot.

Rochelle Hall was on the 30-mile route with her friend Tracey Spicer.

Ms Hall, 36, said: “We only took up cycling as a hobby in September, so we were looking for something to aim for and push ourselves with.

“We managed to do the route in two hours and 45 minutes, which we’re really pleased with because before we were only going at about 10 miles an hour.

“As well as that we raised over £500 for the charity, which is great.”

The printing company accounts manager from Abingdon said: “Now we’re on the lookout for another challenge. I’m trying to convince Tracey to sign up for a 90-mile ride, but I think that might be a bit much.”

The day was organised by Bike Events. Spokesman Euan Scott-Batey said: “Every year around 50,000 women and 400 men find out they have breast cancer.

“If caught early enough, the impact of it can be massively reduced. But for this to happen, people need to know the signs, do the checks and be clear about how to respond.”