RideLondon Classique race sets off from Saffron Walden

Stage one of the race started in Saffron Walden on Friday, May 26, and finished on East Hill in Colchester after 150km.

The second stage, on Saturday, May 27, started and finished in Maldon with a 140km route.

Elite women's cyclists at RideLondon Classique (Image: Celia Bartlett)

The final stage took place in central London on Sunday, May 28, with cyclists pedalling 90km, starting and finishing at The Mall.

Nineteen teams took part in the race. Dutch cyclist Charlotte Kool won the first stage in Saffron Walden.

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She said: "It already started with a hectic final and Pfeiffer [Georgi] did two perfect countering attacks and then did an amazing lead out and the only thing I had to do was finish it off, so I’m really proud of her.

RideLondon Classique stage one started in Saffron Walden (Image: Celia Bartlett)

"I was quite confident [about the sprint], of course it was a bit uphill, but it’s not a long climb for a long time, it’s just a drag and actually in training, I also liked to sprint uphill.

"Of course, it’s harder because you already come in with a higher heart rate, but yes, I was quite confident especially after the lead out of Pfeiffer that I could finish it off."

French cyclist Clara Copponi came in second. She said at the finish line: "I’m happy, it’s a good result for me.

Mayor of Saffron Walden Cllr Heather Asker at RideLondon Classique (Image: Celia Bartlett)

"I’m not in my best shape of the season at the moment, but I’m happy. It was a long day, boring, but the end was fast."

Britain's former world champion Lizzie Deignan came in third, riding with the US-based team Trek-Segafredo.

Cyclists on the go in stage one of RideLondon Classique (Image: Celia Bartlett)

She said: "It was hard at the beginning of the day, because Elisa Balsamo crashed out, but I’m just proud of the team that we made the best of a bad situation and got a podium place."

There has been a professional women's race in every edition of RideLondon since its formation in 2013. 

The race was initially a one-day race held in central London, but returned following the pandemic as a three-stage event covering parts of Essex and the capital.

Riders get ready at RideLondon Classique in Saffron Walden (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Stage one RideLondon Classique winner Charlotte Kool (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Stage one of the RideLondon Classique set off from Saffron Walden (Image: Celia Bartlett)