London cycle challenge circles the globe 69 times

Over 12,500 cyclists have taken part in the largest London Cycle Challenge to date, forming nearly 900 ‘cycling teams’.

The month-long competition was free to enter and encouraged people to make the most of the cycling opportunities in the city for commuting and leisure. Between 18 June and 15 July participants recorded online all the miles they cycled and saw how they were performing against other teams on the leaderboard.

The Mayor of London’s director for environment, Kulveer Ranger said: “My congratulations go to the winners, but I hope everyone who took to two wheels enjoyed taking part. Londoners are tremendously passionate about cycling and the numbers taking part in this superb event are testament to that.”

There were four team categories, with the winners in each scooping hampers of cycling goodies. This year’s champions are:

In the two to ten person team category: eCourier.co.uk, employees of which cycled 20,406 miles.

In the 11 to 50 person team category: Barclays Capital Cyclists whose employees cycled 43,079 miles.

In the 51 to 100 person team category: Silly Commuter Racers who collectively cycled 94,557 miles.

In the 100 plus person team category: The Metropolitan Police having collectively cycled 205,410 miles.

James Holt, team leader of eCouriers, winners in the two to ten category said: “We have definitely enjoyed competing in the Cycle Challenge and we will return next year to defend our title. Our prize will be donated to charity to further encourage others, less fortunate to enjoy cycling.”