Essex teachers are invited to become 'cycling champions' at the 2024 Ford RideLondon-Essex events to help promote active travel.

On Sunday, May 26, thousands of participants will take part in the cycling festival, with three challenge rides of 100, 60 and 30 miles.

The 100-mile race starts in central London and travels through Westminster, Tower Hamlets, Newham, Hackney, Waltham Forest and Redbridge before heading out into Essex via Epping Forest, passing through Ongar and Great Dunmow. 

Cyclists will take in part of the Tour de France route, passing Felsted and Chelmsford before returning to the capital.

Teachers at schools and educational settings across Essex and London can apply for cycling champion places in any of the distances.

Cycling champions will help drive active travel among their students, highlighting the importance of green transport to engage the next generation of cyclists.

Entrants will need to submit a maximum of 200 words sharing their reasons for wanting a place in the events as part of their application.

All applications must include details of how taking part in RideLondon-Essex will help inspire active travel and cycling in their school or education setting.

Those interested can apply at https://www.ridelondon.co.uk/news-and-media/latest-news/teacher-cycling-champions.

Applications are open until Friday, December 15, and winners will be notified during the week commencing Monday, December 18.

Schools in Essex and London can also secure a limited number of reduced entry fee spots through London Marathon Events' school and community programme, at a rate of £65 (reduced from £99) for the 100-mile ride, £45 (usually £65) for the 60-mile ride, and £20 (usually £32) for the 30-mile ride.

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Ford RideLondon welcomes around 25,000 participants each year for a three-day event, which next year takes place between Friday, May 24 and Sunday, May 26.

In addition to the 30, 60 and 100 rides on the Sunday there is also FreeCycle - which welcomes cyclists of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

Meanwhile the Classique - an elite UCI Women's World Tour event - starts in Saffron Walden on Friday, May 24 and finishes in London on the Sunday, with a middle stage in Maldon.