HUNDREDS of cyclists are to take to the roads of the Lake District on Sunday for the annual Saddleback Fred Whitton Challenge.

The 112-mile sportive will see the riders set off from the event headquarters in Grasmere to take in the climbs of Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter, Hardknott and Wrynose passes.

The sportive, the toughest day ride in the UK and ranked alongside European events such as the Marmotte in terms of difficulty, is run in honour of Fred Whitton, a popular member of the Lakes Road Club who died in 1998, aged 50.

Top riders complete the route in just under six hours but 11 hours and over is not uncommon for the average Sportive rider.

Around 2,500 riders from all over the UK will be converging on Grasmere to participate along with hundreds of spectators at vantage points along the route. The first riders will be setting off from 6am.

A spectator guide can be picked up from the event village along with a cowbell, for a donation to cancer charity Macmillan. On Saturday a 40km signposted casual cycle has been laid on between 12noon and 3pm for families and anyone hoping to give their legs a warm up.

The best spots to check out the action are as follows:

L Keswick: Park up off the route using a pay and display car park or use on the road parking and view the event by foot. Riders are expected between 7.45am and 11.15am. This gives spectators lots of time to enjoy a coffee and piece of cake in the local cafes once the riders have passed by.

L Whinlatter Pass: This is a great climb to view the event from and is easily accessible from Keswick. There is a limited amount of parking at the visitor centre. Participants are expected to pass through this section of the course between 9am and 1pm.

L Little Langdale: Wainwrights pub in Little Langdale is a great place to spectate in the latter stages of the course. The riders will be tired at this point and will need all the support to help reach the finish. Riders will pass through this section of the course between 11.30am and 5.30pm.

L Cockley Beck: It can be reached by driving up the Duddon Valley. This year there will be a road closure at the top of the valley which will stop access for cars onto Hardknott and Wrynose. Drivers can park south of Cockley Beck and walk up to the course to see the cyclists between 11am and 5pm.

If children want to get a slice of the action, British Cycling Go-Ride coaches will be delivering a taster session with off road skills and racing techniques on Sunday between 11am and 4pm, for youngester aged five to 16.