News: More than 25,000 registered so far for RideLondon 100 bike ride

More than 25,000 people have registered for the RideLondon 100 bike ride in just five weeks since applications opened when it was launched by Mayor of London, Boris Johnson last month.

Press Release

The news follows the remarkable success of the London 2012 Games which has already let to a peak in interest in cycling, and suggests the cycling trend is set to continue.

The RideLondon festival of cycling will give amateur, clubs and the world’s elite cyclists four different cycling events to take part in over the weekend of the 3rd / 4th August 2013. The events range from RideLondon 100 – a 100 mile challenge ride, RideLondon Freecycle – an 8 mile central London route on closed roads for up to 70,000 people including families, RideLondon Grand Prix for Elite Women, Juniors and hand-cyclists the RideLondon Classic which will see the men’s elite take to the roads of London & Surrey on what is expected to become part of the UCI’s official race calendar.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “Londoners are cycling in record numbers and helped by a raft of improvements there are now more than half a million journeys made by bike every day. The inspirational performances of British road and track cyclists this summer have done even more to encourage people to get on their bike, as the fantastic demand for RideLondon is showing . This cycling festival will have something for everyone, the lycra-clad professionals, the daily commuter, and families on a fun day out. What’s more, RideLondon is a living legacy of our glorious summer by utilising our wonderful Olympic Park.”

Laura Trott and Boris Johnson

Hugh Brasher from London & Surrey Cycling Partnership, said: “After the incredible achievements of our Olympic and Paralympic athletes, particularly the cyclists, we feel that they have naturally generated massive enthusiasm and inspiration for people to participate in this great weekend of cycling. We expected a high demand, but even we were surprised by such a fantastic reaction to the opening of the entry ballot, and we feel this is a great start to one of our primary goals to make this the world’s largest charity fundraising cycle event. Furthermore, the current figures show that over half the registrants have never previously ridden in a cycling sportive, so we are especially pleased that this event seems to have struck a chord with new participants to this type of challenge”.

The ballot for places for RideLondon 100 will shut when a total of 75,000 have applied. People who are unsuccessful in the ballot may still be able to take part by cycling for a charity dear to their heart, as many major charities will have a set number of guaranteed entry places in the RideLondon 100. The charities will then allocate these places to riders on the basis that they will raise an agreed amount of money for the charity. For more information potential participants should visit www.RideLondon.co.uk

Ben Plowden, Director of Planning TfL Surface Transport said: “The success of Team GB and Paralympic GB in the velodrome has increased the popularity of cycling in London and across the UK. The RideLondon weekend will have an event for everyone, regardless of age or cycling ability. RideLondon FreeCycle on Saturday 3 August will cater for families and new or occasional cyclists, whilst RideLondon 100 the next day will be suited to regular and club cyclists. RideLondon is a fantastic opportunity to try cycling in London and is a true legacy of the London 2012 Games”.

Iain Edmondson, Head of Major Events at London & Partners the Mayor of London’s promotional organisation behind the RideLondon event added: “This milestone shows just how much the public had been inspired by the Games. RideLondon is just one example of how London & Partners are developing plans to ensure the city remains the world’s best big city for major events.

The two day festival of cycling will start with a mass participation family fun ride for up to 70,000 cyclists of all abilities. The eight-mile loop on closed roads around London landmarks. will provide a unique, safe, relaxed and inclusive atmosphere. The event will be broadcast exclusively by the BBC across all media platforms including TV, radio, internet, mobile and iPlayer

The following day RideLondon 100 will start from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and will be its first sporting event following conversion after the 2012 Games. The event will cover a similar 100 mile route as the Olympic road cycling course through central London via Richmond Park out to the Surrey Hills.

Exact detailed routes for the RideLondon events will be revealed later in the year taking into consideration learnings from the 2012 Games. The finish for all the RideLondon events will be on The Mall, subject to approval.

The RideLondon weekend will include:

RideLondon Freecycle “COME ALONG FOR THE RIDE” – An 8 mile central London route on closed roads for up to 70,000 people.

RideLondon Grand Prix “EXPERIENCE CRITERIUM RACING” – Also known as Criterium Racing, this invitational city centre loop will provide a focus for the Women’s Elite, hand-cycles and youth groups.

RideLondon 100 “RISE TO THE CHALLENGE” – A 100 mile challenge ride including charitable fundraising through London and Surrey via Richmond Park – expected to attract 20,000 riders in Year 1.

RideLondon Classic “SEE THE GREATS” – Starting in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and following part of the Olympic Road Race route this race will see the international men’s elite take to the roads of London & Surrey on what is expected to become part of the UCI’s official race calendar (announcement in September).

Registration for RideLondon is open. Go to www.RideLondon.co.uk and sign up to what promises to be one of the most exciting events to hit the streets of London next year