Riding on closed roads

There aren’t too many closed road sportives on British shores, and especially not when you head to the capital.

So when one comes along it’s an opportunity that should not be passed up in a hurry – sharing the roads with only your fellow cyclists for company is a great feeling.

To see central London completely traffic-free is quite a sight, and a great opportunity to ride a century with only your two-wheeled companions to have to worry about.

And for those not yet ready for a century, a traffic-free 46-mile route has been newly added to this year’s event, for new and young riders (anyone over 16 can ride it) and promoted by Sir Bradley Wiggins.

Following the Olympic route

The London 2012 Olympic Games seemed to captivate the whole country, and it was the road race which kicked off proceedings.

Part of the promise of the Games was the legacy they would leave – and as far as cycling goes (though not all sports have been so lucky) that has certainly been the case, with the sport now firmly past of the nation’s conscience.

Want to feel inspired? RideLondon offers the chance to pit yourselves against large chunks of the course on which Mark Cavendish, Lizzie Armitstead and co raced back in 2012.

Taking in the Surrey Hills

Box Hill has become a cycling mecca in Surrey following its inclusion in the Olympic route and is one of three main climbs on the RideLondon route, alongside Newlands Corner and Leith Hill.

Newlands Corner comes first, before the ascent of Leith Hill – the highest and toughest climb on the route, with an average gradient of eight per cent and some sections on the heavy roads kicking up to 18 per cent.

The zigzags of Box Hill, though not as tough, are better known of course, with an average gradient just shy of five per cent for the 2.5km climb, before the course turns back towards London for the fast run in to the centre of capital… just leave enough in the legs for the surprise climb of Wimbledon Hill.

Testing route for all abilities

While it may be lack the major climbs you might find in a European sportive, the RideLondon course still isn’t one to be taken lightly and riders of all abilities will find it a challenge.

It’s still a century, after all, and experienced riders can push themselves by targeting a fast time on closed roads and plenty of other riders to share the work, while the fact that there are only three relatively shorts climbs, mean RideLondon is still an accessible but challenging route for new cyclists.

It’s a balanced sportive which, combined with the traffic-free roads, iconic course and London landmarks, ensure it has lasting appeal.

It’s followed by the pro race

Race organisers want the RideLondon-Surrey Classic to be on the UCI WorldTour next season, and it has already thrown up some great races – not least with Britain’s Adam Blythe winning from the breakaway in 2014.

It attracts plenty of big-name riders too, with Team Sky’s Ben Swift twice on the podium, and Mark Cavendish and Philippe Gilbert among the former world champions to have taken on the race.

Watching the professionals ride the same roads, on a very similar route to that which you’ve already taken on that morning, is nothing but rewarding – and affords the rare chance to see directly how your efforts match up to the pros.

Plus it means you can make a proper weekend of it, and – once you’ve recovered from your own efforts – watch to see who will join Arnaud Demare, Blythe and Jempy Drucker on the list of RideLondon winners.

If you’re a keen Strava user though be aware – Marianne Vos took more than 50 Queen of the Mountain titles when she rode the route in 2014.

Convinced? Win a place on the start line courtesy of Continental

We’ve teamed up with Continental tyres to offer 50 places (either for yourself, or yourself and a friend) in the RideLondon-Surrey 100 sportive – just enter below to be in with a chance.