The best female British riders in the professional peloton are ready for the challenge of the Ford RideLondon Classique, when the racing gets underway tomorrow (Friday).

Lizzie Deignan, former World Champion and British cycling superstar, Anna Henderson, former British champion and winner of last year’s Queen of the Mountains Jersey, and Pfeiffer Georgi, former British champion and one of the in-form riders in the peloton, are among the names for British cycling fans to watch out for this weekend.

The Ford RideLondon Classique starts with two stages in Essex on Friday 26 May and Saturday 27 May. Stage One (150km) is from Saffron Walden to Colchester, while Stage Two (140km) starts and finishes in Maldon. The final stage (91km) is the iconic finale in central London, starting and finishing on The Mall.

Ahead of the first stage of the Ford RideLondon Classique we caught up with some of the UCI Women’s WorldTour’s top riders to hear their thoughts. Stage One will start tomorrow at 11:00 from Saffron Waldon and pass through the picturesque countryside of Essex, before finishing in Colchester.

Lizzie Deignan (Trek-Segafredo), former World Champion, four-time British Champion and London 2012 Olympic Games silver medallist

“I’m feeling nervous, but I always feel nervous ahead of races. In races I take a lot of motivation from the crowds and that’s particularly true in the UK. British sports fans are different. There is a really great feeling on race day, and we all feed off that.

“I’m in a good moment, the team is in good form, and we are here to win.”

Anna Henderson (Team Jumbo-Visma), former British Champion and Ford RideLondon Classique Queen of the Mountains jersey defending champion

“I’m feeling good and I’m really excited for tomorrow and to be back on British roads. It has been a good preparation, although I was hit by a car last week, but now I am feeling fine and healthy. I had a really good La Vuelta Femenina, so am feeling in good shape.

“We have a few young riders here, so I think it's also a good race for them to learn and see what we can get out of it – and have a fun weekend as well.”

Pfeiffer Georgi (Team DSM), former British Champion and winner of the Classic Brugge-De Panne this season

“I’m really excited for this race, and I love home roads. We had a good race here last year, and I’m coming off the back of a good spring. I’ve just had a reset and am now ready for this race.

“We come here with Charlotte [Kool] and there is pressure because she is one of the best sprinters in the world, but we feel strong and confident that we can enjoy a really good three days at the Ford RideLondon Classique.”