BURNHAM-ON-SEA welcomed over 400 cyclists to its jetty on Saturday as it hosted the finishing line to the ‘Chase the Sun’ race.

The gruelling coast to coast challenge saw the riders setting off from the Isle of Sheppey in Kent at the crack of dawn, and finishing in Burnham at around tea-time.

Cycling enthusiast Ben Steel from North Yorkshire was the first to arrive in the town, at 5.25pm, and he was followed by a steady stream of competitors throughout the evening.

Organiser Olly Moore said: “Cyclists from all sorts of backgrounds have participated, from commuters to elite athletes.

“It presents a unique physical, navigational and motivational challenge for the riders involved.”

The east to west challenge, covering more than 200 miles, saw the riders arriving at the jetty opposite the Reed Arms pub.

Some of them arrived individually, but some, including the YMCA East Surrey group, arrived in teams.

Will Hunnam, who finished seventh, had to contest with a puncture, and harassment from drunks along the way, but was not unduly delayed. 

The trip down Cheddar Gorge was reportedley tricky for the cyclists, as the wind was funnelling upwards through the Gorge.

The riders were greeted by a healthy crowd, and their arrival was also greeted with some music.

The town council had booked the Wild Robot Horse Box DJ to provide entertainment for visitors, creating a carnival atmosphere.

It is thought that Burnham-On-Sea will have benefitted economically from the event, as many of the cyclists stayed overnight on Saturday at local hotels and accommodation providers.