Surrey Cabinet Member to be official starter for RideLondon-Surrey elite cycle race

Surrey County Council’s Richard Walsh will drop the flag on a star-studded line-up of elite riders when he starts this year’s Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic on Sunday.

Tour de France winner Chris Froome will spearhead the field which also includes fellow British cycling stars Steve Cummings, Dan McLay and Adam Blythe as well as German sprinter Andre Greipel and Belgian former world champion Tom Boonen.

Last year’s RideLondon-Surrey Classic winner, Jean-Pierre Drucker

Mr Walsh, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Localities and Community Wellbeing, is the official starter for the race which will get underway in the wake of a mass participation event along largely the same route taking in Surrey’s stunning countryside.

More than 26,000 amateur cyclists – a record number – are expected to tackle this year’s Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 including a Godalming father who donated a kidney to save his seriously-ill daughter.

Famous faces taking part in the 100-mile ride include ex-Formula 1 star Mark Webber, 2013 X Factor winner Sam Bailey, comedian Hugh Dennis, RnB star Lemar, England’s World Cup winning rugby captain Martin Johnson and former England cricket captain Allan Lamb.

For the first time this year, a 46-mile ride is being held to attract newer cyclists. More than 3,000 riders are expected to take part in the inaugural Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 46 including double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes.

The events will have an impact on roads and travel in Surrey on Sunday 31 July – for details see the information hub on the organiser’s website prudentialridelondon.co.uk/info-hub which includes this leaflet. For live updates on event day, follow @SurreyTravel on Twitter.

Richard Walsh, Cabinet Member for Localities and Community Wellbeing

Spectators will be able to enjoy the action and cheer on participants along the routes, with “where to watch” suggestions here and here.

Mr Walsh said: “I’m delighted to be sending the riders on their way in this year’s Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic which promises to be a thrilling race.

“It’s part of a wider celebration of pedal power which attracts many to the benefits of cycling and raises millions for good causes while also showcasing Surrey’s spectacular landscapes to the world.”

Riders in the first three RideLondon-Surrey mass participation events raised £29million for charity.

Community groups and charities in Surrey have secured more than £1.5million thanks to Surrey’s involvement in the RideLondon events over the past three years. Fifty-eight projects which promote sport and physical activity have benefited.