London Cycling Event Launched
Following a successful Olympic campaign for the Team GB cycling team, one of the first major sporting legacies from London 2012 has been announced with the launch of RideLondon – an event aiming to become the largest charity fund-raising cycle ride in the world.
The launch follows the huge success of Great Britain’s cyclists, who won 12 medals at the London 2012.
The festival will be staged over the weekend of 3rd August, 2013, and will feature a series of events for amateur, club and world elite cyclists.
It will be managed by the London & Surrey Cycling Partnership, a joint venture between the organisers of the London Marathon and cycling’s Tour of Britain.
Organisers believe that the weekend festival could attract over 200,000 visitors from outside the capital.
Nick Bitel of London & Surrey Cycling Partnership, said: ‘We are very pleased to have been chosen to deliver this event on behalf of London, particularly as it will be the first direct sporting legacy from the London Olympics. With our combined expertise and technical knowledge of organising elite cycling and mass participation events, LSCP expect to deliver a world-class festival weekend of cycling open to amateurs, club and the world’s best cyclists.’
‘We already know from our charity partners that this event will be a great opportunity to help raise funds for British charities and we will aim to make this the world’s largest charity fund-raising cycle event.’
Iain Edmondson, head of major events at London & Partners, added: ‘Delivering on our promise to realise a tangible legacy from the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the announcement of RideLondon sees the culmination of over two years planning and preparation come to fruition.’
‘As we near the end of staging the greatest event on the planet, London has truly staked its place as the most exciting major events destination. RideLondon will offer something for every sports fan or keen cyclists – from watching the thrilling elite race travelling through London and Surrey to inspiring people to take part in the biggest annual mass participation cycling event in the world.’
