RideLondon has provided £3.3m for recreational facilities in Surrey

Surrey’s role in Prudential RideLondon means that community groups in the area have been awarded more than £3.3million since the race was first held in 2013.

Like most large events, RideLondon has at times attracted ill-feeling from a few locals. In 2013, a Surrey resident launched a campaign demanding that the county council not allow closed-road cycle events, arguing that they turned roads into a “cycle track”.

However, the event doesn’t just benefit cyclists. The London Marathon Charitable Trust awards grants to recreational projects in areas where London Marathon Events Ltd organises events as a way of thanking communities for their support.

In 2019 alone, it has awarded more than £400,000 of grants in Surrey as a result of RideLondon. This money has funded artificial pitches for rugby and football, as well as improvements to a scout centre, community tennis courts and the Wey Valley Indoor Bowls Association's clubhouse.

Previous years have seen funding for BMX clubs, skate parks, cricket clubs and riding schools, plus the construction of a new gymnastics facility at The Bishop Wand Church of England School for Spelthorne Gymnastics in Sunbury on Thames.

In a statement on the Surrey County Council website, Denise Turner-Stewart, the Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Fire and Resilience, said: “It’s great news that so many of our grassroots clubs and organisation will enjoy long-lasting benefits thanks to Surrey’s involvement in the Prudential RideLondon cycling festival.

“The events continue to showcase Surrey’s stunning landscapes to the world and promote all the benefits of cycling, including to people’s health and wellbeing.”

This year’s Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 will take place on Sunday August 4.