Cycling events boost London’s economy by nearly £150 million

World class cycling events in London have contributed £149 million to the city’s economy since the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Cycling events such as Prudential RideLondon, Tour de France, Tour of Britain, UCI Track Cycling World Cup and World Championships, and others have attracted visitors to the city from all parts of the United Kingdom and the rest of the world.

One of the cycling showpieces is Prudential RideLondon – taking place this weekend – which attracts more than 300,000 spectators watching the amateur sportive rides and professional races, which will include three-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome, on Sunday. More than 100,000 cyclists – of all ages and abilities – take part in the three-day event which has generated £53million for London’s visitor economy since it launched in 2013.

Brian Cookson OBE, President of the UCI: "Four years on, the legacy of the 2012 Olympic Games can clearly be felt in London, especially for cycling, not only as a competitive sport, but also as a leisure activity and a means of transport.

“For example, Prudential RideLondon has become a true celebration of cycling at all levels. It is a very attractive race for professional riders, both men and women, but also the perfect occasion for everyone to take to their bikes, no matter their age or level of fitness. The Lee Valley VeloPark is another example of the great legacy of London 2012, and I was very proud to come back to the velodrome as UCI President at the beginning of the year for the 2016 UCI Track Cycling World Championships.”

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park continues to draw major sporting events to London. It is home to world-renowned sports facilities such as the Lee Valley VeloPark, the UK’s first VeloPark with an indoor Velodrome, BMX, mountain biking and one-mile road race circuit. The venue has played host to the UCI Track Cycling World Cup and World Championships.

Iain Edmondson, Head of Major Events at London & Partners, said: “Since the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games London has secured some of the best must-see global sporting events. The city is recognised around the world as a fantastic destination for major events.

“These events are a big draw for UK and international visitors who come to watch sporting superstars on the world stage, which has helped boost London’s economy by billions of pounds.”