A FESTIVAL of cycling returned bigger than ever for its fifth year.

The Bike Blenheim event saw more than 10,000 competitors and spectators descend on Woodstock’s Blenheim Palace over the weekend.

Extended to two days for the first time, the festival was buoyed by British successes in the Tour de France and the Olympics.

Among the elite cyclists competing in a 20km time trial were eight Team GB paralympians and six riders from the Australian squad.

World champion paralympian Sarah Storey was back in action to successfully defend the Bike Blenheim women’s title she won last year in 28 minutes 30 seconds.

Away from the competitive cycling, the event included a bike polo tournament, children’s cycle skills and the opportunity to ride around the palace grounds.

Yesterday saw the return of the annual Brompton World Championship, in which riders in suits race a 6.5km course on fold-up bikes.

Oxford’s Josie and Kelvin Driscoll attended with sons Dylan, a six-year-old Mark Cavendish fan, and 12-year-old Sam, pictured above.

Mrs Driscoll said: “The kids have seen the Olympics and Tour de France and been inspired.

“We heard about the event through friends and it’s our first time. I did a triathlon here recently and wanted to show them the course.”

Mr Driscoll said: “It’s impressive. We wanted to see the paralympians and see just how fast the pros go.”

Dom and Sam Cheater, from King’s Sutton, near Banbury, brought 16-month-old son Freddie, pictured top right. Mrs Cheater said: “We have an annual Blenheim pass but it’s our first time for sport.”

Mr Cheater said: “We were rowers but we’ve got more into cycling since having Freddie.”