Endurance cyclists tackling the 950-mile round trip between London and Edinburgh are passing through the county.
Up to 2,500 amateur cyclists from 57 countries will take part in the London-Edinburgh-London ride and are being supported by 1,000 volunteers on their epic ride.
2,500 amateur cyclists are heading through the region
After starting at Writtle, outside Chelmsford, the cyclists have been arriving at Northstowe Village College on Sunday (3 August). Then on Thursday and Friday, (7-8 August) the riders will return through Northstowe, and head through the centre of Cambridge.
The not-for-profit event, with staggered starts, has happened every four years since 1989, although was delayed a year by the pandemic.
It is described as “not a race but a test of physical and mental stamina” and must be completed in 128 hours.
Following a successful trial in 2022 of refreshment stops between controls, 14 are planned in 2025. These community-run venues will guarantee, around the clock, that riders will find a place to refuel, providing vital support during the night when shops may be shut.
When the ride was first held, just 29 entrants took part. In 2022, there were 1,500 starters from 54 countries.
You can see the full route at londonedinburghlondon.com.