Prudential RideLondon 2014 in pictures: Cyclists battle Bertha rainstorm on London streets
Brave cyclists took to the streets today despite the heavy rainfall, light flooding and thunderstorms caused by storm Bertha in stark contrast to yesterday's sunshine.
The second day of the cycling festival hosted the Surrey 100, Handcycle Classic and Surrey Classic races, however organisers were forced to shorten the route through Surrey due to rainfall in the area, reducing it from 100 to 86 miles and missing out Leith Hill and Box Hill.
Around 24,000 riders were expected to participate in the Surrey 100, from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park through scenic Surrey to the finish line on The Mall near Buckingham Palace, with another 150 professional riders racing on an extended route.
Former England captain Martin Johnson and rowing champion Tim Foster have exchanged balls and boats for bikes to take part in this year's event.
Other famous faces taking part include former Olympic cyclist Chris Boardman and chefs John Torode and Jean-Christophe Novellli.
The world's top para-cyclists also participated in a high octane race from Kingston to The Mall.
(Source: RideLondon)
(Source: RideLondon)
(Source: @adelemitchell)
(Source: @bssedgwick)
And they're off! Our #TeamShelter cyclists have begun #RideLondon. Here's one (in red) flying past Tower of London pic.twitter.com/vJoJnCHuDZ
— Shelter (@Shelter) August 10, 2014
https://twitter.com/FarahFoundation/status/498392152448458752
(Source: RideLondon)
(Source: RideLondon)
(Source: RideLondon)
(Source: RideLondon)
The wet start failed to deter riders, and weather conditions improved briefly for some cyclists crossing the finish line.
A brief ray of sunshine and blue sky greeted two special cyclists at the end of the race.
Gary Watson, 44, and Lisa Russell, 41 took a detour en route- to get married.
The couple from Raynes Park, began the cycle engaged and ended it as a married couple, stopping off at Richmond Park’s Pembroke Lodge to say their vows along the way.
(Source: RideLondon)