The Isle of Wight has always been a hotspot for cycling and the Tour of Britain coming next week will be a real highlight.

But who knew Island cyclists were taking the world by storm as far back as 1875?

To coincide with the race and Heritage Open Days, The Museum of Island History will celebrate with a special display highlighting the exploits of W.M.V. Webber.

Located in the historic Guildhall on Newport High Street, people can visit the museum for free on the day of the Isle of Wight stage (Sunday, September 11), from noon to 2pm.

A small display of cycling photographs will be on show alongside the 1885 Springfield cycling trophy, which was won by the Ryde cyclist, W.M.V Webber, in 1885.

The Springfield Cycling Tournament was held in Massachusetts, USA.

Webber won the ten-mile and 20-mile races.

CLICK HERE to find out which other Isle of Wight venues are free on Heritage Open Days. 

He was the first person in America to ride 20 miles in less than an hour.

The feat was made more impressive as the bikes were penny farthings, also known as the Rudge ‘ordinary’ bicycle.

Also on display will be the current photographic exhibition of Newport featuring more than 100 photographs of the historic town.

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Travelling around the Island could be difficult on September 11, with the final leg of the Tour of Britain cycle race taking place.

Therefore, the museum will also be open free of charge on Thursday, September 15, from 10am to 1pm.

This event has been funded by a grant from Historic England.

The Heritage Service is a delivery partner for the Newport Heritage High Street Action Zone - Cultural Consortium.

The aim is to create events and activities which centre around Newport High Street.

Newport Roman Villa will also be open free of charge to celebrate Heritage Open Days on Friday, September 16, from 10.30am until 2.30pm.

The well-preserved remains of this third century Roman house are worth exploring.

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Find out more about life on the Island in Roman times, visit the Roman herb garden and view some of the Island’s fascinating archaeological finds.

Find out more about Heritage Open Days and what else is open free of charge here: www.heritageopendays.org.uk/