The planned route for the Ford RideLondon-Essex festival of cycling, which passes through Great Dunmow and Felsted, has been confirmed.

On Sunday, May 26, Cyclists will be able to go on a scenic loop of Essex, incorporating part of the 2014 Tour de France route.

Starting and finishing in central London, there are options for cyclists to take on 100, 60 and 30-mile distances, which are enhanced versions of the routes from the previous two festivals.

Cyclists will set out into Essex via Epping Forest and ride through Ongar and Great Dunmow.

The second half of the ride takes in part of the Tour de France route, passing Felsted and Chelmsford before returning to London via Ongar.

Enhancements include expanded community activity to greet riders as they pass through towns and villages en route, with refined community access plans drawn up in collaboration with residents and businesses.

Hugh Brashner, event director of Ford RideLondon-Essex, said: "We’ve now had two successful editions of Ford RideLondon-Essex using this route, which has been carefully developed to ensure it offers riders a unique experience of cycling on traffic-free roads in London and the beautiful countryside of Essex while, at the same time, minimising the impact of the road closures on the communities it passes through.

"We have, year-on-year, refined and enhanced the route based on feedback from stakeholders, participants, communities and businesses, and we will continue to do this to make the Ford RideLondon-Essex challenge rides even better for everyone, whether you are participating or you are part of one of the many amazing communities the route passes through."

The plans for the route have been developed following a debrief of the 2023 rides, and an agreement with Essex County Council to extend the partnership.

Around 25,000 people are expected to take part in the 100, 60 and 30-mile rides, with the range of distances allowing cyclists of all abilities to participate in the event.

Many of the participants will be raising money for charity. RideLondon has raised more than £85 million since its first edition in 2013.

Entries for the Ford RideLondon-Essex 100 are open now. To enter, or for more information, visit ridelondon.co.uk. 

Entries for the 60-mile route will open later in November, while entries for the 30-mile ride will open in the new year.

READ MORE

Cllr Lee Scott, Essex County Council's cabinet member for planning a growing economy, said: "We are looking forward to welcoming Ford RideLondon-Essex back to the county over the next three years.

"The event brings thousands of riders and visitors to Essex with many expressing a desire to return to the county after the event.

"It is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the county, inspire people to get fit and it raises millions of pounds for charity each year. 

"We are always looking to improve the event and over the next few months we will be working closely with the local communities along the route to ensure the event continues to go from strength to strength and that the whole of the county benefits."