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The 2024 Ford RideLondon Classique, part of the UCI Women’s World Tour, will feature three unique courses across London and Essex from 24 to 26 May.
The courses produce three thrilling days of racing for some of the world’s best riders – not to mention a fast-paced spectacle for fans to watch on both the roadside and TV.
Here is where the action will be taking place.
Stage One will start in the medieval market town of Saffron Walden, in north-west Essex, and finish in the historic city of Colchester, which was the first capital of Roman Britain.
Saffron Walden was known simply as Walden until around 1500, when Saffron was added to the name due to the saffron crocus trade that started in the town in the 16th century, as the plant found soil conditions there favourable. On the outskirts of Saffron Walden is Audley End House, which was built in the 17th century and was once one of the largest mansions in the country.
Colchester is both Britain’s newest city and its oldest recorded town. It became a city in 2022, as part of the late Queen’s Jubilee Civic Honours, but has a long and rich history dating back more than 2,000 years. This history includes being the first major city of Roman Britain, which was attacked and destroyed by Boudica, Queen of the ancient British Iceni tribe, in a famous uprising in AD61. The modern city still has remnants of its Roman past as well as (relatively) more recent history such as Colchester Castle, which was built in the 11th century and is the largest of its kind in Europe.
Overall race winner Charlotte Kool (Team DSM, now Team dsm-firmenich), who sprinted to victory on the city’s East Hill.
Maldon will host Stage Two. The historic market town, situated on the Blackwater estuary on Essex’s east coast, has welcomed the race for three consecutive years.
Maldon has a long maritime history and once stood as a bastion against raiding Viking forces in the Battle of Maldon in AD 991. Today, this beautiful spot is known for its collection of Thames sailing barges that cluster around Hythe Quay – not to mention its world-famous Maldon Sea Salt.
American Chloé Dygert (Canyon//SRAM Racing) took the first European road race victory of her career on a highly animated day in the saddle.
The race will culminate with the showpiece Stage Three in central London, which is an iconic stage targeted by the world’s best sprinters.
Charlotte Kool (Team DSM, now Team dsm-firmenich) secured the overall Leader’s Jersey and her second win of the race on The Mall last year.