Olympic cycling champion Victoria Pendleton yesterday joined over 700 women for Breast Cancer Campaign’s first ever Pedal it Pink cycling event in Liverpool’s Sefton Park.

Pendleton lent her support to Campaign by taking part with her mum, and the ladies joining her could opt to do a half marathon (13.1 miles), full marathon (26.2 miles) or take part in the 5k Family Lap with their partners and children.

Pendleton is an ambassador of Pedal it Pink, which is raising money to help Breast Cancer Campaign fund innovative, world-class research throughout the UK. Approximately 5,300 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the North West each year – 300 of those women are in Liverpool.

“I really enjoyed the event,” Pendleton said, “it was refreshing not to ride on a road for a change. It was quite challenging in some parts, with changing surfaces, but me and my mum had lots of fun and so did the rest of the women out on the course.

“I still had to keep my wits about me but there was more time to react today than in the velodrome! It was so good to see so many women out there supporting such a great cause and everyone was really supportive of one another, clapping and cheering each other on. What a great way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon.”

If you would like to help put the brakes on breast cancer keep your eyes out for the next Pedal it Pink, which will be held in another city in October. Details can be found on the website www.breastcancercampaign.org