London Marathon organisers will run RideLondon cycling festival

LSCP was chosen from six shortlisted race organisers to run RideLondon, which will be the first major post-Games event to take place in the Olympic Park.

The two-day cycling festival from 3-4 August 2013 will incorporate three cycling events and is expected to attract more than 200,000 visitors from outside London.

It will aim to be the largest charity fundraising cycle ride in the world, drawing on the experience of the team behind the London Marathon, which raised £51.8 million for charity in 2011.

The festival will open with a family fun ride for up to 70,000 cyclists on an eight-mile loop of closed roads around London’s landmarks.

On the second day, up to 20,000 amateur, club and world class elite cyclists will take on a 100-mile road ride beginning in the Olympic Park, which will be known as the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park after the Games. Women’s elite, junior cyclists and hand cycles will also compete in a city centre grand prix.

All races are planned to finish on The Mall, subject to approval of final details.

Nick Bitel of LSCP said the event would be the "first direct sporting legacy" from the London Olympics.

He said: "With our combined expertise and technical knowledge of organising elite cycling and mass participation events, LSCP expect to deliver a world class festival weekend of cycling open to amateurs, club and the world’s best cyclists.  We already know from our charity partners that this event will be a great opportunity to help raise funds for British charities and we will aim to make this the world’s largest charity fundraising cycle event."

Let us know what you think by commenting below.

For more in-depth and print-only features, showcases and interviews with world-leading brands, don't miss the next issue of Event magazine by subscribing here.

Follow @louiseridley