A record number of cyclists are expected to descend on the Eden Project on Sunday for the third annual Eden Classic bike ride.

Sign-ups are well ahead of previous years for the Eden Classic sportive, a mass-participation cycle ride with a choice of three routes, ranging from a short yet challenging ride of 35 miles, a middle distance of 62 miles and a 100 mile ride for the experienced cyclist.

After pedalling past the biomes, cyclists will ascend steep hairpin bends before taking a choice of route along stunning coastal roads and finishing back in the heart of Eden.

All riders descend on the Lost Gardens of Heligan for the first food stop, and riders embarking on the mid or long routes will have a second chance to stop at Heligan, while the 100-mile cyclists will also enjoy another food stop at the 16th century Jubilee Inn at Pelynt.

There is free entry for friends and family of the Eden Classic riders to the Lost Gardens of Heligan on the day of the event, and they will also have free access to Eden over the weekend.

In the run-up to the event, the Bamboo Bicycle Club from London will be teaching a handful of cyclists how to make bikes from Eden-grown golden bamboo and they will then be invited to join the sportive on the Sunday.

During the day world record-breaking BMX rider Matti Hemmings will be showing visitors his amazing stunts at demos and workshops.

Flatland BMX is described by many as like breakdancing on a bike. Riders perform a unique display of ground tricks with all kinds of twists and spins at high speed.

Bikes and helmets will be provided for the free workshops which are on a first come first served basis.

Also in the Orchard, visitors can have a go on balance bikes provided by Aggie Cycles in St Agnes.

Eden managing director Gordon Seabright said: “Sunday May 7 promises to be Eden’s biggest-ever bike day, with the best part of a thousand cyclists here for the Eden Classic and the exciting prospect of bamboo bikes among them, plus a great BMX display from the formidable Matti Hemmings.”

Pre-registration for the Eden Classic closed on Monday, and only pre-registered participants are guaranteed a timing chip and medal, but late registration will be available from 9.30am to 11.30am on Saturday in the gallery in Eden's visitor centre, and 6am to 7.45am on Sunday in Eden's Banana coach park.

There will be Eden Classic cycling jerseys for sale throughout the day.

For more information go to edenproject.com/edenclassic