A FORMER member of the Merchant Navy has described his outrage at plans for a major cycling event through dozens of Dorset villages on Remembrance Sunday.

UPDATE: This event has now been cancelled. Read more here.

Malcolm Shakesby, who stood as the UKIP candidate for South Dorset in the last general election, said he was appalled when he discovered the plans for the Wiggle Bitter Beast event on Sunday, November 13.

The event, organised by UK Cycling Events, starts and finishes from Norden Park and Ride at 8.30am on the Sunday morning.

Riders have the choice between a 39 or 69-mile route which travels through the Purbeck and Dorset countryside, including dozens of towns and villages such as Swanage, Lulworth, Puddletown, Moreton and Wool.

Speaking to the Echo, Mr Shakesby said it was “absolutely outrageous” that this event was taking place on Remembrance Sunday.

He claims that it could result in thousands of cyclists riding past Remembrance parades and services.

“I’m particularly worried about the event in Lulworth as that is the one I attend every year,” said Mr Shakesby, who served in the Merchant Navy for 25 years.

“What we could have is a situation where thousands of cyclists ride past as the community stands at the cenotaph in Lulworth.”

He claims that if this happens he will stand in the road to stop the cyclists from being able to pass until the service is over.

“If the riders taking part in this event try and steam through these villages while Remembrance services are taking place there’s going to be a riot,” he added.

“It’s an absolute fiasco and I can’t believe it’s still being allowed to go ahead.

“This is an auspicious day in our country’s history and it should be given a certain amount of respect.”

Mr Shakesby has called for the event to be postponed so that it doesn’t fall on Remembrance Sunday.

“I feel very passionately about this, not just because of my time in the Merchant Navy, but also because of my father and my wife’s father who both fought to protect this country” he said.

“I just can’t believe anyone with any compassion would do this.”

Mr Shakesby said the only reason he found out about the cycle ride was after it was mentioned at Wool Parish Council on Monday night.

According to a spokesman from Dorset County Council there has been no application for any road closures for the event and therefore the council would not necessarily know the ride was taking place.

“There is no obligation for them to let us know - unless they are requesting a road closure,” she added.

Event 'will not clash with road closures' - and cyclists encouraged to observe Two Minute Silence

A spokesman for the organisers said: “Out of respect for Remembrance Sunday parades and other associated activities, Wiggle, working with UK Cycling Events (UKCE), have ensured the route of this event does not and will not clash with any Remembrance Day road closures. They will also be emailing all participating riders in the run up to the event, reminding them about Remembrance Day and requesting that all riders show due respect when passing through villages on the route, especially around 11am, the time of the Two Minute Silence. Wiggle have also encouraged riders that wish to, to dismount at the appropriate time, to observe the Two Minute Silence.

“In addition, Wiggle and UKCE have organised a special Poppy Appeal collection with the Royal British Legion, which will take place at registration for the event and Wiggle will also be making a donation to the Poppy Appeal. Riders will be encouraged to wear their poppies with pride as they participate and all Wiggle and UKCE members of staff and event organisers will also be wearing poppies on the day.”