This year’s Prudential RideLondon is getting a shorter route of 46 miles (74km), giving less experienced riders the perfect chance to ride through the nation’s capital on closed rides this summer.
The new route starts on 31 July at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in east London straight after the last start wave of the RideLondon-Surrey 100, following the latter’s riders towards the City of London and Westminster.
The route then goes through Richmond Park to Kingston upon Thames, and crosses the river to pass by Hampton Court Palace.
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Once in Surrey, the 46-mile route separates from the 100-mile route to head south towards Thames Ditton, and then rejoins the 100-mile route back in to Kingston for the final 15 miles to finish on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace. All riders should aim to finish the course within four hours, and can expect a unique finisher’s medal.
Wiggins: 'Nothing beats riding up The Mall'
Speaking at today’s launch, Sir Bradley Wiggins said: "This is a fantastic event for new and young riders. Forty-six miles is still a challenge but it’s also a great introduction to cycling on traffic-free roads and it’s a wonderful way to ride your first sportive. And nothing beats riding up The Mall and crossing the line in front of Buckingham Palace."
The organisers reckon they’ll get around 3,500 riders on the start line, with entries on sale now and costing £39. When riders have a confirmed place, they'll be able to choose a specific start wave and opt to ride with friends, with other first timers, in all female waves, with U18s or as individuals.
RideLondon 46 vs RideLondon 100
So how’s the route different to the more popular RideLondon 100? Well the organisers have taken out the steepest climbs of Leith Hill, Box Hill and Newlines Corner, as well as some of the narrower parts of the route through the Surrey Hills. The full route can be found here.
To enter this year’s Prudential RideLondon, head to www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk.