Former World Cup-winning England rugby captain Martin Johnson will officially open the Prudential RideLondon Cycling Show at ExCeL on Thursday 7 August, part of the Mayor of London’s multi-award winning festival of cycling taking place in the capital this weekend.
A three-day expo of all things bike-related, the Show aims to inspire cyclists and would-be riders of all ages and abilities with attractions of all kinds, from Sir Bradley Wiggins’s throne to the latest gear and gadgets, from safety tips and massage to interviews with Olympic, Commonwealth and Paralympic gold medallists.
More than 45,000 people are expected to visit the free exhibition from the moment the Coventry City supporting Johnson throws open its doors at 10:00 on Thursday until it closes on Saturday at 17:00.
Like Johnson, many will be there to register for the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 challenge on Sunday morning, one of five Prudential RideLondon events that make up the world’s greatest festival of cycling.
Among the famous names who will push off from the start line in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park early on Sunday morning are:
• 1987 Tour de France winner Stephen Roche
• Olympic pursuit gold medallist Chris Boardman
• Winter Olympics skeleton champion Amy Williams
• Paralympic 800m gold medalist Danny Crates
• The Only Way is Essex star Lydia Bright
• TV chefs Jean-Christophe Novelli and John Torode
Johnson is a keen and regular cyclist who last year led a Guinness World Record attempt at the first ever Prudential RideLondon FreeCycle, which saw more than 50,000 cyclists enjoying eight miles of car-free roads around the capital’s most iconic landmarks.
Cyclists taking part in this year’s Prudential RideLondon FreeCycle on Saturday can pick up their goody bags at ExCeL while others will be in the capital to watch some of the world’s top professional riders spinning around the roads of London and Surrey in the Prudential RideLondon Grand Prix, Classic and Handcycle races.
Cycling fans will find a multitude of exhibitors at this year’s Show from all spokes of the cycling world – manufacturers, race organisers, merchandisers and masseurs; cycle scientists and cycling games, cycle makers and cycling celebrities.
Visitors will be invited to pose Wiggins-like on the golden throne where Britain’s cycling king made V-for-victory signs after winning the London 2012 Olympic time trial. They can also visit a replica of the famous Box Hill café where generations of Surrey cyclists have been stopping for refreshment, and leave messages of hope, support and encouragement on a special signing wall.
Many of the major cycling brands will be there, showing and selling everything from designer water bottles to the latest GPS devices. There’ll be plenty of charities too, while one of the biggest stands will be devoted to Prudential RideLondon merchandise, including this year’s range of official souvenir and technical clothing from dhb.
Meanwhile, the Prudential Stage will keep visitors entertained with live interviews with cycling stars such as double Olympic and 2014 Commonwealth Games champion Laura Trott, plus many of this year’s celebrity riders who will join Johnson in taking on the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 sportive.
There will be two-hourly demonstrations of trick cycling from Andrei Burton’s stunt team, plus spectacular shows of control and balance from the Action Sports Tour crew. Martyn Ashton will also talk about his Road Bike Party films and the accident that changed his life.
Budding cyclists can test their pedal-power and cycling efficiency on a Wattbike, the event’s official indoor bike, receiving expert analysis and tips on how to improve, while experienced riders will be tempted to test their cycling skill in a virtual peloton. There will also be 20 therapists offering sports massage to get riders in perfect condition for their weekend challenge.
With more than 60 exhibitors’ stalls, a full programme of presentations, and numerous opportunities for invaluable cycling advice, organisers expect the show to provide an unparalleled experience for cycling enthusiasts of all kinds and abilities.
Event Director Hugh Brasher said: “The inaugural Prudential RideLondon Cycling Show at ExCeL was a huge success a year ago and we fully expect this year’s event to be even better.
“The Show is an important part of the whole festival, which will connect with and inspire cyclists and would-be riders of all ages and abilities. It is a chance for all those riding over the weekend, their families, friends, and many other cycling fans, to get a taste of the atmosphere generated around the event and share their love of all things cycling with thousands of fellow enthusiasts.”
1. The Prudential RideLondon Cycling Show will be open on the following days and times:
Thursday 7 August - 10:00-20:00
Friday 8 August - 10:00-20:00
Saturday 9 August - 09:00-17:00
It will be held at ExCeL at London’s Royal Victoria Dock. It is connected to the Jubilee Line at Canning Town via a three-minute DLR journey to ExCeL’s dedicated stations Custom House (for the West entrance) and Prince Regent (for East).
The show will attract 45,000 visitors over three days. With 10,000 visitors expected each weekday and 25,000 on Saturday, visitors should consider going in the week to avoid the Saturday crowds, or at least before 11:00 on Saturday.
More information on the Prudential RideLondon website: http://www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk/The_Events/Cycling_Show.htm
2. Prudential RideLondon comprises five separate events: the Prudential RideLondon FreeCycle, the Prudential RideLondon Grand Prix, the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100, the Prudential RideLondon Handcycle Classic and the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic over the weekend of 9-10 August 2014. Find out more at www.PrudentialRideLondon.co.uk.
3. Prudential RideLondon is a world-class weekend cycling festival developed by the Mayor of London, Transport for London and London & Partners in partnership with Surrey County Council and is sponsored by Prudential. The event is managed by the London & Surrey Cycling Partnership.
4. The inaugural Prudential RideLondon in August 2013 has won a total of seven national awards to date:
• BT Sport Industry Awards: Participation Event of the Year
• UK Event Awards: Large Event of the Year and Sports Event of the Year
• 2013 Cyclosport Industry Award, given for an outstanding contribution to the cycling industry
• Most Innovative Cycling Event and Favourite British Cyclo-Sportive in the Cycling Weekly readers’ annual poll
• UK Cycling Event of the Year in the Total Women’s Cycling readers’ awards