THERE were muddy trainers and plenty of aching limbs to nurse after more than 5,000 cyclists descended on Blenheim Palace to celebrate pedal power.

The stately home in Woodstock opened its gates yesterday for the second Bike Blenheim Palace event.

Among the highlights was the Brompton World Championship, where 600 competitors all dressed in suits and ties – raced folding bikes around the 2,100 acres of parkland.

Other cycling challenges included 60- and 100-mile rides through the Cotswolds, a 20km time trial course, and shorter routes for families to enjoy.

Eight-year-old Anna Hobbs, from Barracks Lane, Oxford, came with her parents Matthew, 40, Sandra, 39, grandfather Alan Hobbs – and her unicycle.

She said: “It’s really nice to come and cycle around the grounds. It’s a different thing to do. I tried to unicycle around the park. I got it for my birthday and have been practising.”

Her father said: “We all cycle in Oxford so thought we would come along.

“It’s a shame you can’t cycle here all the time but it’s nice to have an open event like this.”

Keiron White, from Sherbourne Road, Witney, brought his four-year-old son Finlay to join him on the family route.

The 36-year-old said: “We came for the family cycling. We like mountain biking so we decided to have a look.

“The kids loved it. We made it round the four-mile course without falling off.”

Bike-lovers Debbie and Jon Simpkins, from Edgehill, near Banbury, brought their four-year-old twins Catherine and Peggy.

Mrs Simpkins, 41, said: “My husband competes and we are all interested in cycling. We love it. The girls were especially looking forward to getting on their bikes and cycling.

“It’s a great event, where anyone can have a go.”

Organiser Paul Orsi said the event had been a success, with more than 100 people working to make sure it went without a hitch.

He said: “We were trying to cater for everyone.

“We get a lot of interest from people wanting to come and cycle in the park because it’s so beautiful. There is no cycling allowed normally, so we do something special one day a year.

“Cycling is a sport that is growing massively in Britain, and we added in a new element this year – the Sportif – which is a cycle ride around the Cotswolds.

“People like it; it’s an amazing place to ride your bike.”

Other attractions at the Unesco listed World Heritage Site included bike polo, stunts from a mountain bike display team, and a show by Benson Vintage Bicycle Club which showcased part of its collection – including an 1885 Penny Farthing.

Founder member Ned Passey, 88, of Brook Street, Benson, said: “They asked me to come along with the bikes to let people see what they used to look like.

“I own about 450 bikes and I still ride them now – even though I’m not supposed to.”

Cathy Robinson, 41, from Ladygrove, Didcot, was waiting for her husband Patrick, 43, to finish the 60- mile ride.

She said: “It’s very well organised. We’re glad we came.”