Drawing pins were sprinkled on sections of road used in Sunday’s Marlow Red Kite sportive on Oxfordshire, causing numerous riders to suffer with punctures.

According to the event organiser, dozens of cyclists punctured after riding over the pins in the Oakley and Brill areas. No rider suffered an injury as a result of the attack during the fundraising ride for the Cyclists Fighting Cancer charity.

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“Its incredibly disappointing that a narrow minded individual has attempted to spoil the day for a large group of people. And it could have been considerably worse,” said event director Steve Tolmie.

“A cyclist could have received a serious injury as a result of this attempt. “

The sabotage has been reported to Thames Valley Police, who will investigate the incident.

It is the latest in a string of similar acts of dangerous vandalism in recent years, including two editions of the Etape Caledonia, Valleys Velo Sportive, New Forest Spring Sportive, Redhill CC road race and the Willesden CC road race.

“Safety to our riders and other road users is our number one concern and we would be very keen for anyone who saw anything suspicious on the main B4011 near Oakley to contact police with any information,” said Tolmie.

A total of seven hundred riders took part in the event, which offered routes of 100 and 126 miles. It is hoped that over £7000 will be raised for Cyclists Fighting Cancer.