Victoria Pendleton, Boris Johnson, Ed Clancy

Beijing cycling heroes Chris Hoy, Victoria Pendleton, Ed Clancy, Jamie Staff and Shanaze Reade, as well as Sky One’s Gladiators Enigma and Predator, will join Mayor Boris Johnson and tens of thousands of cyclists at this weekend’s Sky Sports London Freewheel .

The hugely popular free family event takes place this Sunday, September 21st, and is set to attract some 50,000 cyclists of all ages and abilities to cycle round a traffic-free central London for the day. Participants will be able to enjoy some of London’s most famous roads and landmarks, including the Tower of London, Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.

“What a brilliant event for Londoners of all ages and cycling abilities to take part in,” said Chris Hoy, “It’s fantastic to be involved with a day that encourages more people to get on their bikes around London. Personally I can’t wait to cycle down the Mall.”

British cycling superstar Shanaze Reade said: “This is going to be a great day whether or not you are an experienced cyclist. There’s no better way to see the capital than on a bike and with no traffic in the way, it is the perfect chance for those with less confidence to enjoy themselves.”

Hubs at the Emirates Stadium, Clapham Common, Victoria Park and Ravenscourt Park will be open from 8.30am, providing cyclists with a place to meet up with friends before setting off for the central route, which will be open from 9.30am until 5.30pm.

In addition to traffic free streets, there will also be a series of bike related activities and entertainment taking place throughout the day. British Cycling coaches will help the public build their confidence in the saddle and teach new cycling skills – from learning how to limbo on a bike, to testing yourself against the GB Cycling Team in the Sky Sports Sprint Challenge. Those who take part will also have the chance to win a signed Great Britain Cycling Team jersey.

The Sky Sports Mountain Bike Demonstration team will be on hand, alongside cyclists on wacky bikes who will perform stunts on their Raleigh choppers, Cruiser and Tandem bikes throughout the day.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “The aim of Sunday’s event is to celebrate cycling and encourage people in London to use it as a way of getting around and making the most of the city.

“Many Londoners own bikes but aren’t using them regularly. I’m sure that the involvement of such fantastic cyclists from British Cycling, whose achievements were cheered on by millions of us during the Beijing Games, will only serve to inspire more Londoners to get involved and take part in this great free event.”

Sky Sports London Freewheel is free to attend, but participants must register in advance at www.london.gov.uk/freewheel. Last year, over 38,000 bikes descended on the city’s streets and this year’s event promises to be even bigger.