5 years of Prudential RideLondon
Since 2013, tens of thousands of people have rolled out their bikes for the world’s greatest festival of cycling Here's why...
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Whether biking, balancing wheelies or taking part for the first time, Prudential RideLondon saw professionals and amateurs alike celebrating all things two wheeled at last weekend’s three-day cycling festival in the capital. Here’s what you might not know about the event:
On yer bike…
Prudential RideLondon has become the largest mass-participation cycling festival in the world. Part of the Mayor of London and TfL’s cycling programme, its goal is to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle inspiring more people to cycle more often and more safely.
Riding free
Riders of all ages and abilities joined Prudential RideLondon FreeCycle and enjoyed the freedom of cycling along an eight-mile, traffic-free route through central London’s streets.
Passing city landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and St Paul’s Cathedral, it was a great way for families to see the capital’s iconic sights while discovering the joys of cycling in a safe environment.
Making millions
Those who were up for a sportive challenge last weekend could participate in either a 100-mile or 46-mile route from London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford to The Mall, via Surrey’s beautiful, but challenging, hills — all in the name of charity.
Thanks to your efforts, these events have already supported non-profit organisations across the UK to the tune of £41 million in just four years.
A moment in history
Professionals had their chance to shine at Prudential RideLondon — and this year they made history too.
These events have already supported non-profit organisations across the UK to the tune of £41 million
Earning WorldTour status from the Union CycIiste Internationale (UCI), the world’s governing body for cycling, the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic became Great Britain’s first ever men’s UCI WorldTour race.
The Prudential RideLondon Classique women’s race won top tier status in 2016, so both events now enjoy the same status as the Tour de France.
Pedal parity
In 2016, Prudential RideLondon launched #PedalParity with its landmark decision to award the women’s pro race the same world record one-day prize pool as the pro men’s race.
This equality in pay is a first in women’s cycling with Prudential RideLondon leading the way in redressing the financial gap in top level men’s and women’s cycling.
Feeling inspired? Why not get involved in next year’s event? It’s easy to sign up for the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 in 2018. The ballot opens on 7 August. To register, visit prudentialridelondon.co.uk