THOUSANDS of people are expected to turn out when a cycling festival returns to Wallingford for the second year running.

The debut event last year attracted TV crews from Midsomer Murders, who captured footage of elite riders and novices taking part in a series of races around the town.

The resulting episode of the long-running detective series was screened recently.

Now it has been confirmed the Wallingford Festival of Cycling is back for a second year on Sunday, June 26.

There will be a day of cycling events including racing, demonstrations and mountain bike rides.

A circuit will be created around Wallingford and races will include a 25-minute race for regional and national youth cyclists for a trophy named after crime writer Agatha Christie, who lived in Winterbrook House until her death in 1976.

In the run-up to the festival, cycle shop Rides on Air in St Martin’s Street is offering cyclists the chance to park free of charge in its bike ‘park’.

Town mayor Lynda Atkins said: “The festival was a big success last year so I’m delighted organisers have decided to stage it again. Thousands of people turned out last year to watch and take part in the races and hopefully they will do again.

“The town centre was jam-packed with local residents and people coming from further afield.

“This time around the Kinecroft will be used as a base for it all, which should free up some space in the town centre. I think it will start slightly later in the day than last year and that will give people attending church the chance to move their cars out of the town centre.”

The mayor praised Rides on Air for creating the free bike park.

She added: “We want to encourage more cycling in Wallingford so we are looking at creating some new cycle racks in the Cattle Market car park.

“If more people cycle instead of driving into Wallingford it will create a healthier environment.”

Rides on Air sales assistant John Speed said: “People can leave their bikes for free all day – we have got space for about 20.

“It’s great news that the festival is back. It will bring thousands of people into Wallingford and we will definitely be open on the day.”

Organisers are looking for 180 volunteer helpers.

See wallingfordfestivalofcycling.co.uk for details.