A FORMER world champion cyclist will join racers through 69 miles of Essex countryside.

Francesco Moser, 64, will be leading the inaugural Moser Sportive GB, from Barling, on Sunday, in the first non-competitive event he has lent his name to outside of his native Italy.

He won the world road racing championship in 1977, as well as several other high-profile races, and set the world hour record for track racing in 1984.

The event has been organised by Southend’s Vic Haines, a former national champion.

It begins at Barling Magna, before heading to Little Baddow, taking in the challenging climb of North Hill, in Danbury, and arcing back to the starting point, via Battlesbridge and Rochford.

Mr Haines said: “I’ve known Francesco for many, many years and we’re great friends.

“He and his family organise their own sportive in Trento, where they live, and it attracts thousands of passionate fans, who take part just for the chance to say theyhave ridden alongside the great Moser.

“Given the astonishing rise in popularity of mass-participation rides here in the UK, I thought it would be great to have one in my home county, and Francesco was only too happy to help.

“I wanted a ride that will appeal to the serious club cyclists and people who enjoy riding for fun as part of a large group.

“The route offers something for everyone along the way, with the rolling nature of the terrain testing the legs of even the most experienced and keen riders.

“But, for fans who appreciate the history of cycling, it will be the chance to say ‘I rode with Moser’ that adds real magic to the experience.”

Mr Moser said he had cycled in England three decades ago, but the race would be the first time he had ridden the roads in Essex.

He added: “I think it will be a lot of fun. I have very happy memories of racing in England back in the 1980s.

“I raced against Tony Doyle at the velodrome in Leicester, but this will be my first experience of the Essex roads.

“However, I hear the countryside is quite flat which, as followers of my career will know, is ideal as mountains such as those in the Tour de France really do not suit me.”

To enter the Moser Sportive GB, visit mosersportivegb.co.uk