CANYON//SRAM Racing will return to central London for the Prudential Ride London Classique on Saturday 29 July. British rider Hannah Barnes, Italian sprinter Barbara Guarischi, American Alexis Ryan and three German riders: Lisa Brennauer, Mieke Kröger and Trixi Worrack are a formidable line up for the team.

Riders will race 12 laps of a 5.5km scenic circuit taking in famous landmarks around St James Park, The Mall and Buckingham Palace. The Prudential Ride Classique continues its commitment to promoting the growth of women’s cycling by holding the event in central London and providing live coverage on BBC Sport. In addition the race offers a €100,000 prize pool making it the richest one-day race for women.

Barnes, who sprinted to third place on the final stage of the OVO Energy Women’s Tour last month, is excited to returning to racing in central London.

“I’m really looking forward to racing the Classique on Saturday. It’s a really special event to be a part of, especially as a Brit who very rarely gets the opportunity to race at home.”

“The course is more a criterium than a road race. There is very little elevation gain but the many corners that we have to negotiate can be tricky and they can also zap a lot of energy if you are in a bad position and have to accelerate back up to speed each time,” said Barnes.

Barnes has just come off a mid season break but has been training with a focus on rebuilding in time for the Classique.

“After the Giro Rosa I took my mid-season break. I have been doing some good training leading up to this weekend and the remainder of the season. I am really looking forward to racing in front of the amazing crowds that come out to support us every year and I would love to have a great result to give them something to celebrate. It will be my fifth year racing the event and every year it has come down to a bunch sprint. But anything can happen in bike racing, that’s why we love it so much,” added Barnes.

Barnes’ teammate, Barbara Guarischi won the event in 2015 said she is also looking forward to the race. “For a long time I’ve been thinking about the Prudential Ride London Classique and to ride in the UK. It’s such a well organised event and showcases women’s cycling on one of the greatest stages in central London. I really enjoy racing there. The crowds are crazy and the atmosphere they create is something special to race in front of. It’s an important race for our team and we will be aiming for the top.”

The race starts at 17:00 on 29 Saturday July, is broadcast live on BBC Sport, and can be followed also on Twitter with #RideLondon. A press conference will be live streamed on Ride London’s Facebook page at 15:00 BST on Friday 28 June.

Facebook

Twitter