The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford is set to play a key role in a new annual festival of cycling this weekend.


Described by organisers as the UK's "biggest ever" bike-themed event, the Prudential RideLondon Festival will feature separate races for professionals and amateurs across London, plus a host of activities at the park.


It is billed as the first free event to take place at the Stratford site since the London 2012 Olympics and is being held with less than a year to go until the Velodrome arena there is due to open to the public.

The festival kicks off on Saturday with a 'free cycle' event in central London, where cyclists will be given the chance to ride along eight miles of car-free streets.

Meanwhile St James’s Park will host a 'Grand Prix' series of sprint races the same day.


Then on Sunday the Olympic Park will be the scene of a variety of bike-themed activities for all the family between 11am and 4pm.


But before that a one-off 100-mile challenge course will open to amateur cyclists at 6am.


It will start at the Olympic Park before heading to Westminster, then out through Richmond Park to Surrey, before returning to the capital to finish at The Mall.


An estimated 20,000 people are expected to take part.


Then at 12.45pm around 150 professional male riders will also set off from the park for the new 140-mile 'London-Surrey Classic' race.


It will also head out into the countryside before finishing at The Mall along a slightly different route.


A big screen will broadcast the action at the park, while the activities will include live BMX stunt shows, entertainers on bikes, games of bike polo and plenty of chances to have a go on a variety of cycles.


London Mayor Boris Johnson is one of those planning to tackle the amateur course, accompanied by a 36-strong group called 'Team Boris' who are aiming to raise £25,000 for charities including the Mayor's Fund.


He told the media: “I am fairly confident I can get round, but how fast I can do it is another matter. 


"I’m a pretty cautious London cyclist, not a speed merchant. The chiselled whippet is yet to emerge.”


Dennis Hone, chief executive of London Legacy Development Corporation, said: “[It] will be a fantastic event. 


"From spring next year, when the park fully opens, the public will be able to enjoy the Lee Valley VeloPark set to be a world-class cycling venue with track, BMX, road and mountain biking. 


"I have no doubt it will help inspire the next generation”.


Visit www.PrudentialRideLondon.co.uk for more information.