Thousands of brave Russian cyclists to parade in -25c weather

Around 5,000 incredibly keen cyclists are due to take part in an annual cycling parade today in Russia, despite local temperatures dipping to a biting -25 degrees.

The Moscow city transport department confirmed that the parade would go ahead, saying: "The parade will not be postponed because of the cold weather.”

The event is designed by the city to promote cycling infrastructure, and will be the first mass sports event in 2017.

Those who brave the cold will ride along the Moskva River embankments from the Frunzenskaya metro station to the Kremlin and back.

Last year we reported how cyclists on the world’s coldest bike race discovered that their bikes had frozen up as they prepared to ride.

The event, organised by the Cycling Federation of Yakutia in Russia’s Sakha Republic, took place in -43°C temperatures.

Only 14 participants made it to the start line on functioning bicycles, and the winner, Andrei Popov, completed the 10 kilometre distance in 30 minutes 44 seconds.

The winner of the 5km women’s race was Nelly Pakhomova in 29 minutes 51 seconds.

Nelly said: "The bicycle race turned out to be such a challenge. My bicycle froze, and it was hard to cycle. It was very extreme, thanks to organisers."

Andrei added: "You need to dress up so that you don't freeze, because it's easy to turn into a piece of ice in such cold.

“Quite a lot of time has passed since summer bicycle season finished, so I recommend to keep cycling and to train for such races.”

For those planning chilly rides of their own this January, check out the road.cc guide to staying motivated to cycle in cold weather.