Nearly 800 riders registered for the hugely-popular mass-participation cycle on one of three challenging routes, 35 miles, 60 miles and 100 miles, starting and finishing at the home of the Biomes and taking in spectacular coastal and country roads.
Participants coming from around the country included family groups, club riders, cycling friends, fund-raisers and some trying out a cyclosportive for the first time.
The first riders – the 100 milers – left just after 7:30am – and the last home descended the spectacular winding route into the Eden Arena to collect their medals at around 6pm.
Among the families who enjoyed a great day out on the road were Rachel and Ross Morcom from Lostwithiel, Cornwall, with daughter Sarah, son Thomas and nephew Casey. Rachel and Sarah did the 35-mile course and Ross, Thomas and Casey completed 60 miles.
Ross said: “We planned it as a family – we did about a month’s training. It was a brilliant family thing to do. A great day out. The stewarding and food stops worked really well.”
Friends from Bristol, Andy Li and Chuck Knight, rode the 60 miles together, raising funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK. They rated the ride “a fantastic day out and an excellent challenge.”
Work colleagues Adam Roberts from Bodmin, Cornwall, who rides with the Duchy Velo club, and Lyndon Wright, from Margate, Kent, completed the 100-mile route in around six and a half hours.
Lyndon said: “The views were absolutely stunning and there are some really testing climbs. There has been a great atmosphere all the way around.”
Among many club colours on display were those of the Widger Spoke Easies, a women-only club from the Launceston area. The club has around 90 members and a group of seven gathered for the Eden Classic, with the team saying that they would be cheering and encouraging other riders along the way.
Many participants in this year’s event were eagerly anticipating its return after the global pandemic meant that last year’s Classic had to be cancelled.
Neil Stark, Eden’s Operations Director, said: “The atmosphere of the whole event and the spirit of the riders has been fantastic today. It’s great to see everyone getting out on the road again.
“Hats off to all those who made it round the courses and to the support riders and delivery team for the return of the Classic. We aim to offer an enjoyable cycling event for a range of riders and we’re confident it encourages lots of people to enjoy the benefits of being out on two wheels.
“After all the excitement of the Tour of Britain coming to Cornwall earlier this month, seeing many hundreds of cyclists leaving and returning to Eden safely in bright sunshine was a fabulous sight.”
Cyclists on all the routes were able to enjoy top-class refreshment at the Lost Gardens of Heligan feed station as they fueled up on a range of savoury and sweet treats.
Before setting off from Eden every rider was offered a pre-cycle breakfast and on return they had a complimentary pasty and drink.
Family and friends were encouraged to explore the Eden Project and cheer the cyclists over the finish line with free entry for two adults and two children per rider.
