Top Cornish professional cyclist Chris Opie is championing the Eden Classic – the mass participation ride which takes place across South east Cornwall.

The 30-year-old road rider, who leads the British continental team Canyon-Eisberg, took a spin down memory lane when he had a close look at the routes of the Eden Classic.

Cornwall’s biggest bike event starts and finishes at the Eden Project near St Austell, taking in many miles of lanes where Chris, from near Truro, was first bitten by the cycling bug as a young boy out for rides with his father.

He began cycling competitively at the age of 10 and rapidly progressed to lead the British National Junior Series in 2005. Many professional successes have followed.

The annual event returns for the fourth time on May 13 with short (35 miles), mid (62 miles) and long (100 miles) routes.

He said: ‘The Eden Classic sportive is a great way for riders to team up with others and challenge themselves.  Having a range of rides means that cyclists of different levels of fitness and experience can take part. The hills are a test for anyone. And you can’t really better the amazing scenery, can you?’