RideLondon, a new two-day world-class cycling event, will take place from Saturday August 3 – Sunday August 4.
The UK’s largest cycling festival will pass through several south west London boroughs including Kingston, Merton and Richmond, Boris Johnson announced yesterday.
RideLondon, a new two-day world-class cycling event, will take place from Saturday August 3 – Sunday August 4.
It is expected that around 70,000 cyclists will participate in the ride, which hopes to capitalise on the popularity of the sport since last year’s Olympic Games.
On Sunday, 20,000 amateur cyclists will complete a 100 mile challenge, following a route similar to that of last year’s Olympic road race. Later that day, a 140 mile race will be held for 150 of the world’s best male riders, likely to include Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish.
A free, family fun ride for up to 50,000 cyclists across an eight mile traffic-free route will take place the previous day.
The news was welcomed across south west London. Wimbledon bike shop, Action Bikes, have seen sales rocket in the past year, and hope this event will build on the public’s passion for cycling.
“Since the victory from Bradley Wiggins in the Tour De France, our sales have really boosted. There are a lot more people are coming in and buying road bikes,” said Ben, a sales assistant at the store.
He also added that he was looking forward to the race on a personal level.
“We already take part in a monthly protest ride in London and I am sure we will be involved with this one. It gives us the chance to get out the shop and on the bikes which is what we love to do,” he said.
The event also aims to boost the number of active cyclists in the UK, encouraging people of all ages and abilities to take up the sport.
Councillor Chris Harrison, Richmond Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Street Scene, said the council would work with the organisers and transport for London to ensure it is a success.
“Last year’s Olympics will be remembered as a time when Richmond upon Thames was on the sporting world stage, with some of the best male and female cyclists from around the world riding through our borough and thousands of people cheering them on from the roadside. I am thrilled that we will be able to play our part again in this legacy event,” he said.
London Major Boris Johnson, who will take part in the amateur event, said the ride was a fitting legacy to the superhuman efforts of the Team GB cyclists.
“Prudential RideLondon is sure to become one of the world’s top cycling events, the countdown to the start of the event begins now!” he said.
Photo courtesy of surreynews, with thanks.
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