The streets of London and Essex looked a bit different last Sunday, as more than 20,000 cyclists took part in the RideLondon event.
The showpiece, regarded as the world's greatest festival of cycling, returned after three years with a new route; and saw cyclists embark on the streets of the capital to take on 100, 60 or 30-mile challenge rides. The roads were shut and the atmosphere was electric.
And what an event to take part in, with the 100-mile route seeing riders begin in Embankment, take in the amazing scenery of Essex and then finish in Tower Bridge. Ever wanted to know what it's like to feel like a professional, with thousands of spectators cheering you on? RideLondon gave you that chance.
Speaking of professionals... when the festival last took place in 2019, it was a two-day event that included the RideLondon Classique: a UCI Women’s WorldTour road race on a central London circuit. This time around, the three-day festival took place over three days on new routes through the rolling Essex countryside as well as the capital - and was bigger and better than ever before.
It even featured the best women riders in the world including reigning RideLondon Classique champion Lorena Wiebes, who defended her crown in stunning fashion. But it wasn't just about the professionals; this event was a chance for amateur cyclists to jump on their saddles - and, more importantly, for participants to raise much-needed funds for charities.
Over the first seven editions of the event, in excess of £80million was raised for more than 1,000 charities. This year, with more than 20,000 riders taking part in routes across 100, 60 and 30 miles, that total is expected to significantly grow.
There were familiar faces roaming through the streets too, including former champion jockey Sir AP McCoy, who took on the RideLondon-Essex 100 in support of the charity SpecialEffect. Like many others across the UK, raising money is something McCoy feels passionately about - but cycling 100 miles isn't something he wants to do too often.
He said: “If you can do the event for a good cause, you probably should. I wouldn’t like to be doing 100 miles too often though..." Amateur cyclists, including Pat Campbell, echoed his thoughts.
The Clapham-based rider, who was raising funds for charity Antony Nolan, added: There was a feeling that great events like this are returning. It’s a privilege to ride along closed roads – it doesn’t happen very often so events like RideLondon are a real treat.”
Event Director Hugh Brasher, who rode the RideLondon-Essex 60, perfectly summed up the event and said: “It was an amazing atmosphere out there – very inclusive, with far more women riders and far more diverse riders. It was beautiful countryside out in Essex, on a new route that’s flatter and easier and the whole thing was really inspiring.
“We have a terrible health and obesity crisis in this country right now. We need to get people onto bicycles. It’s also brilliant for your mental health. I now cycle into London when I commute to work and I feel so much better for it. It lifts your mood, so we want to encourage people to give cycling a try.”
Brasher hits the nail on the head. Everyone wants to feel better right? Whether you were a rider or a spectator, RideLondon guaranteed happiness.
