Axminster businessman hopes to encourage more people to get involved in the sport.

A keen cyclist and businessman in Axminster is hoping to encourage more people to get involved in the sport and sees it growing even more popular following the recent success of British cyclists on the international stage.

David Darby, of Cycling Components, which specialises in customised road bikes, says he has seen cycling growing more and more popular over the past five years.

“Now is the time to get more people out on bikes and enjoying the lovely sport and the social benefits it can bring,” he says.

“It is a fantastic sport - it is great socially and for health and fitness. It is not just younger people who can get involved but everybody and anybody.”

He added: “We are seeing an increase in road bikes because young people are seeing the likes of Bradley Wiggins, Victoria Pendleton and Mark Cavendish.”

David told the Midweek Herald that the sport’s popularity has been helped especially by British cycling champion Bradley Wiggins who recently won the Tour De France.

He said: “Without doubt, I see cycling getting more popular.”

David says he would love to encourage more young people to get involved in cycling and even competitive events in the future.