THE thunder of horses’ hooves was replaced at Windsor Racecourse by the steady whir of 3,500 bike riders who had cycled all the way from London on Sunday.

The ‘Palace to Palace’ is the flagship fund raising event for the Prince’s Trust young people’s charity, as enthusiastic supporters cycled from Buckingham Palace to the famous castle at Windsor – coming to rest at the racecourse in Maidenhead Road.

They were greeted this year by two legendary sportsmen – four time Tour de France Winner Chris Froome and Paralympian gold medallist David Weir.

Mr Froome’s legendary cyclist career climaxed this year, winning the Tour de France and Spain’s Vuelta a España.

He said: “It has been an amazing year but I don’t think about it all the time. Things still feel the same. I tend to look forward although peopled remind me of it all the time.”

David Weir has won six gold medals at the 2008 and 2012 Paralympic Games.

He said: “The Princes Trust is a charity I admire. The race goes right by my training ground at Richmond Park so I was happy come to Windsor and support it.”

Among the cyclists they welcomed was 65-year-old Gary Clark from Maidenhead who has added to his personal ‘bucket list’ by doing it in a colourful red wig and outfit.

He said: “I was successful in the ballot to take part in the London to Surrey race, my first ride and I only managed 16 miles.

“But I did not give up and now I have completed the Palace to Palace. It was on my bucket list after I completed the London marathon.”

Great British Bake Off star, Mel Giedroyc also did the ride and took time to distribute cake to visitors and fellow riders at the finishing point.