Boris Johnson aide visits to discuss benefits to Surrey of cycling event

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The benefits to Surrey from a new annual cycling event were discussed when Sir Edward Lister, chief of staff for London Mayor Boris Johnson, visited Surrey County Council leader David Hodge and Cabinet Member for Community Services Helyn Clack at County Hall. The RideLondon-Surrey 100 road ride takes place in August as part of a two-day festival of cycling and is expected to attract thousands of cyclists. The county council teamed up with the London Mayor for the event to cement the country’s excitement for cycling following the success of the sport at last summer’s Olympics.

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Surrey County Council leader David Hodge said: “I was pleased to welcome Sir Edward and the meeting was really productive. It’s clear that this cycling event will bring huge sporting and economic benefits to Surrey – and maybe unearth a budding Bradley Wiggins or Lizzie Armitstead.”

Further details:

Around one million spectators lined Surrey’s streets to watch the Games road and time trial races. Britain’s Bradley Wiggins surged to time trial glory and Lizzie Armitstead claimed silver on the road.

The Olympic Games and Tour of Britain sporting events generated an estimated £51 million for Surrey’s economy.

It has been predicted this year’s cycling festival will attract more than 200,000 visitors from outside the capital, generating tens of millions of pounds in economic benefit.