25,000 cyclists have already signed up for the return of the biggest gran fondo style cycling festival in the world – RideLondon 2022.
After a two-year absence and rejection by local residents, RideLondon 2022 will take place Sunday 29 May on a new London-Essex-London route, finishing on the iconic Tower Bridge over River Thames.
Hugh Brasher, event director, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be bringing RideLondon back in 2022 after the last two editions were cancelled due to the pandemic. We return with exciting new routes into Essex thanks to a new partnership with Essex County Council and an increased ambition for RideLondon to be genuinely for all.”
Brasher plans for the event to be more inclusive and hopes the large influx of riders in the city centre boosts sales at local merchants and wins much needed support for future editions, especially after Surry residents rejected hosting the event.
Three additional routes will be available besides the 100 mile RideLondon-Essex-London. After the 100 mile ride departs at 06:00, RideLondon-Essex 60 miler, RideLondon-Essex 30 miler, and an 8 mile “free to all” FreeCycle ride will also depart from central London. The last rider is expected to ride across Tower Bridge twelve hours later at 18:00.
In addition to the amateur gran fondo events, a women’s professional race, the RideLondon Classique, will be part of the weekend long cycling festival.
RideLondon was established after the 2012 London Olympics, giving everyday Londoners, aging weekend club rides and wannabee pro cyclists the thrill of cycling over the Olympic road race course, including the challenging Box Hill climb and finishing in front of Buckingham Palace.
PHOTOS: RideLondon
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