One of the world’s greatest cycling events, RideLondon, is back this year after a three-year agreement was negotiated between Essex County Council and the London Marathon events organisers to host the events every year until 2026.
It is composed of three elements: RideLondon Essex at four lengths – 100 miles, 60 miles and 30 miles, Freecycle, an eight-mile cycle around central London, and RideLondon Classique, a three-day race for elite female cyclists, with two stages in Essex and one in central London.
The course of this year's RideLondon Essex race is essentially the same as it was last year, with the exception of a small alteration to a stretch at the Essex–London border. The route will now pass through Chigwell and Buckhurst Hill due to a closed road bridge on Broadmead Road in Woodford, necessitating this alteration.
But when is RideLondon, what are the routes and how to take part? Here’s everything we know.
When is RideLondon 2024?
The RideLondon-Essex 100, 60 and 30 mass participation rides will begin in Westminster between 6.00am and 9.30am on Sunday May 26. Parliament Square will serve as the entry point.
The Ford RideLondon Classique's Stages 1 and 2 will be on Friday, May 24, Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26.
Where is RideLondon 2024?
The Ford RideLondon-Essex’s 100, 60 and 30 mile rides will start in Victoria Embankment before crossing Epping Forest to reach Essex.
After that, the riders go up to Ongar before reversing course back to Southwark in preparation for a finish at Tower Bridge.
The separate free eight-mile cycle route will take riders past some of the most well-known sights in London, including Somerset House, St Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace and The Mall. Riders can free to complete as many loops as they want and can get on and off at different locations.
Along the way, there are free, family-friendly activities for those who want to take a break from their bikes.
Along with the RideLondon Hub in Trafalgar Square, the event features two Festival Zones at Aldwych and St Paul's, where riders can stop for food and drink, technical assistance and entertainment like face painting and games.
How to take part in RideLondon 2024
The Ford RideLondon-Essex general entry costs £65. You must be aged 16 or over to take part. If you're 16 or 17, you must ride with an adult aged 18 or over. Tickets are given on a first come, first serve basis. Tickets have nearly sold out so don’t miss your chance.
Those wanting to take part in the free event can register on the RideLondon website. If you’re registering for a family entry, you can submit up to 10 people. For group entry, simply add your group size to your application.
If you don't own a bike, you can participate in Ford RideLondon FreeCycle with a Santander Cycle. In London, there are over 800 docking stations with over 12,000 Santander Cycles, so it will be easy for you to pick up a bike and go riding.
