The yearly cycling event, RideLondon, is making its way back onto our roads this weekend after an absence of 2 years, thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic. It starts on Friday 27th and runs until Sunday 29th with cyclists gathering at the start on Victoria Embankment cheered on by a massive number of spectators.
The Route
This year riders will be taken around a brand new route from the streets of London to the beautiful scenery of Essex. As mentioned above, starting at Victoria Embankment, the route will take them to East London, then moving through Essex, and finally finishing at Tower Bridge. The riders have a few options this year, they can do either the RideLondon-Essex 100, RideLondon Essex 60, or RideLondon Essex 30. There is also RideLondon Freestyle and the RideLondon Classique. All information regarding the event can be found on the RideLondon website.
Controversial News
This past week we saw the event in some controversial news regarding the speed limit of the event. Previously, the RideLondon event guide stated that the safety car would only travel at 22MPH throughout the event so riders were not able to pass that speed. This led to outrage throughout the cycling community and viewers of the event. However, this past Tuesday 17th May RideLondon issued a statement regarding the safety car on their social media platforms. The organisers admitted the safety car information was “stated incorrectly” and have now confirmed the safety car would only travel at a pace determined by the conditions and what is happening out on the road. The full statement can be read below.
Our Ambassadors getting involved.
This year, we have some of our ambassadors taking part in RideLondon, @_fat_girl_fit_ Lisa Thake, and @lalalawson Laura Lawson. They both had this to say about the upcoming event…
RideLondon is such an exciting day for me. There are many similar sportives in a cycling enthusiasts calendar but very few offers closed roads, especially in the centre of London. It’s such an amazing feeling to ride with no traffic and be surrounded by others on two wheels. I’m taking part because I love it. I’ve completed every Ride London event since it started in 2013, part of the London Olympic legacy. That is so important too, by providing an event which sustains interest in our sport, long after the games, we can continue to inspire the next generation. Of course, for me, it’s also about empowering women. I’ve been helping 2 novice, local ladies on their journey from ‘zero to cycling hero’ and I’m looking forward to crossing the line with them on Sunday. To see riders take up this challenge, witnessing their training ups and downs and sharing in their elation when they complete the 100 miles puts a big smile on my face.
Laura Lawson
“Having taken part in Ride London four times before when the route went out to Surrey, I had said I wouldn’t do it again. BUT it then announced it was coming to the local roads in Essex and as I’m a resident it would be rude not to take part!I am using Ride London as a training event for The Vatternrundan that I am taking part in next month.It will be fun to take part with friends on closed roads and enjoy another lovely day in the saddle because you never regret a bike ride!”
Lisa Thake
Why we are excited
RideLondon is now back and better than ever for 2022, with a new route, new format, and the ambition to inspire even more people to get on their bikes.
With a new partnership with Essex County Council comes a new route through beautiful Essex, which is our neck of woods! So we will be getting to watch RideLondon in person!
Here at Cycle Revolution, we strive to get more people on bikes, it’s our passion, and we want to share that passion with everyone through events like this.
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