A CAR dealership in Thornbury is hoping to channel the fever around this year’s Tour de France to encourage local cyclists to join them on a special ride.

The 'Tour de Ford', being hosted by Thornbury Motors, will see a peloton of 75 riders take part in a special ride into the heart of the Cotswolds, starting and finishing at the showroom in Thornbury.

Celebrating Ford’s new partnership with British-based Team Sky, the event which is part of a nationwide series, will see participants ride either a 30 or 50 mile route, with three Team Sky cars riding in support.

The ride will take place on Saturday, July 22, the penultimate day of “La Tour”.

“We want people to have that Tour de France feel right here in our area,” said Marcus Boulter from Thornbury Motors, himself an avid cyclist himself as part of Thornbury Cycling Club.

“It will be great to see new riders and club members joining us for a fun day, which will give people a taste of being a Team Sky rider in the pro peloton.

“Rather than a competitive race, this will be a much more controlled ride, giving people the chance to enjoy being out on a bike as part of a group.

“It’s not all about the racing, it’s about the comradery of the group and giving people a chance to feel like part of the team.”

After the event, riders, their families and members of the community will be able to enjoy a barbecue at the Black Horse Pub, with each rider will get a Team Sky goody bag.

Mr Boulter said: “At the end of the day, this is a community event and we hope that families and friends will be able to enjoy that atmosphere after the ride.

The ride is now fully booked but a waiting list has been set-up in case cancellations are made.

For more information on the Tour de Ford and the other events around the country, visit www.tourdeford.co.uk