The weekend's Prudential RideLondon event has been declared the UK's largest ever mass participation cycling event, with 15,883 cyclists, including the Mayor of London completing a 100-mile race from Surrey to London.

“This is a great day for cycling, and for this city,” Johnson said. “I want to thank the organisers and the wonderful crowd who made all the difference as we cycled by, helping to spur me on to finish the gruelling 100 miles in a respectable eight hours.
 
“Huge congratulations to everyone who took part – Prudential RideLondon is now firmly on the map as one of the greatest cycling events in the world.”

24 hours hours prior, 50,000 recreational riders took to the closed streets of central London as part of the Prudential RideLondon Freecycle, with olympian Laura Trott, the event's ambassador went on to win the first Prudential RideLondon Grand Prix. Overall, more than 65,000 cyclists attended the debut event.

91-year-old Betty Tingle from East Sussex was just one of those taking part, alongside 16 other family members.

She said of the event: “I’ve been cycling all my life, so it’s fantastic to see all these people here. I met my husband through cycling. He used to wait for me to catch him up; now all my family are at it. It (RideLondon) shows that if the traffic is gone, people will come out on their bikes. It shows if we create more cycle paths, routes to schools, paths in parks and so on, then people do want to cycle more.”

Mayor of London boris Johnson, who dubbed his participation in the ride as 'operational chiselled whippet', completed the race in just over eight hours. He also thanked a 'good Samaritan' who helped fix a puncture on his bike near Cobham.

The first Surrey classic was Won by Frenchman Arnaud Demare, who did not feature in any pre-race predictions. He dedicated his win to his long-time coach, Hervé Boussard, who passed away in June.

The 21-year-old said of the race: "“One year after the Olympic Games this is a victory that’s a symbol of something for me. It’s even more important because I lost my trainer, who died a month ago, so it’s very emotional for me.
 
“The course was harder than last year at the Olympics but I was feeling great on the way back to London. I was at the centre of the group and I told my two teammates to open the field – I had the legs, I just needed one opportunity.
 
“In the final stages I thought a lot about my trainer who had been with me since I was a junior, and that carried me to the line. It was an amazing race. It’s not often you get to ride in a big city on closed roads, so the speed was very high. I think this race will get bigger and bigger, and I want to come back every year with my team to win again.”

Sky rider Ben Swift was the first Briton in 10th place, while Garmin-Sharp team leader David Millar was in 100th place. Of the other pre-race favourites, Gerald Ciolek was 11th while double Tour de France green jersey winner Peter Sagan dropped out.

Swedish protective gear label POC has revealed a new line of road cycling helmets and clothing.

Revealed to 2Pure dealers in Covent Garden last week, the line will headlined by a new sub 200 gram road helmet, dubbed the Octal. With a fully wrapped unibody shell, the lid functions as a monocoque that enhances the safety properties and construction integrity of the helmet. The Octal has fewer vents, but those that are present are noticeably larger.

The internal padding is made of a technical fabric, which reduces the temperature of the contact area touching the skin. Since visibility is a key factor to road bike safety, the Octal helmet comes in high visibility colors and with reflective patches.

That's not all, however. The brand has gone one step further and launched into the road cycling clothing market with bib shorts, a jersey, rain jacket, glasses, mitts and much more.

The Essential Rain Jacket is made of a three-layer laminated DWR treated fabric and is designed with a bike specific fit, where the back and arms have been optimised in length to keep the rider fully covered. The laser cut ventilation holes under the arms provide enhanced breathability.

The jacket comes in a bright orange colour and has reflective logo at back for maximum visibility. My Info- zip pocket for personal information and cell phone.

POC's Essential Jersey is designed with aerodynamics in mind, as well as enhanced visibility. Cut specifically for an aggressive riding stance, the woven stretch fabric uses a compact 3D structure to improve aerodynamic performance.

The body is made of four-way stretch that offers a streamlined fit, allowing freedom of movement and excellent breathability. This combination of technical fabrics reduces drag while efficiently wicking moisture away, keeping your customer cool and dry.

Rearviz is to debut a new wrist mounted convex mirror accessory at the Cycle Show this September.

Worn like a watch, the arm band kithouses a rotatable convex mirror to allow the cyclist to see what's coming up from behind. When not in use the unit collapses into itself.

To register for free of charge tickets to the September 26th trade day, click here. Registrants will be required to show a form of ID at the show.

Cycle Show Opening Times:

Thursday 26th September 2013, 9.30am - 6:00pm (Trade and press only)
Friday 27th September 2013, 9:30am – 5:00pm (Open to the public)
Saturday 28th September 2013, 9:30am – 5:00pm (Open to the public)
Sunday 29th September 2013, 9:30am – 5:00pm (Open to the public)

A host of sporting celebrities, including Michael Vaughan and Victoria Pendleton, are to set out on a four leg charity ride to raise funds for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and Chance to Shine.

The proposed route will follow the Natwest One Day International series against Australia and there will be opportunities to watch the action alongside the sports stars after the days ride.

With 50 places available on each leg of the tour, cyclists are invited to join the pair, as well as Jamie Redknapp and Andrew Strauss - all that is required is a £250 registration fee and a commitement to raise a minimum of £450 for the charities.

The series takes place between September 6th to 17th.

To enquire about participation, contact info@chancetoride.co.uk, or phone 020 7409 5816.

www.chancetoride.co.uk

H Young's bike only distribution arm Sportline is to carry Ridley bikes, once again giving the UK trade a source for the Belgian label's bikes.

Announced at the end of last month, H Young's (Madison's parent company) new distribution firm now has a stable made up of Saracen, Ridgeback, Genesis, Adventure and Ridley.

"We are delighted to welcome Sportline as the exclusive UK distributor for Ridley," said Jochim Aerts, Ridley Bikes' CEO. "With Sportline, our customers around the UK and Ireland can count on a high level of support across all aspects of the business. During the past 30 years Sportline/Madison have built a strong business based around high levels of knowledge and customer care. As the worldwide technological market leader, I believe that Ridley, together with Sportline, can reach a new audience within in the UK and Ireland, which is one of the most important markets for Ridley within Europe."

Founded in 1997, the Ridley brand quickly grew to be the Belgian market leader within the race bike market, followed swiftly by further growth and expansion which lead to an international breakthrough in 2004. The 2013 Tour de France saw André Greipel of Lotto Belissol take the win at Stage Six onboard his Ridley Noah Fast, a testament to the pedigree of the Ridley brand.

The label largely has a skinny tyre focus, manufacturing bikes for road cyclists, cyclocross riders, triathletes and leisure cyclists. Sportline will be ranging the entire Ridley catalogue.

Dealers can view the Ridley range at Sportline's bike launch event, which is taking place this September, with stock availability to follow shortly after.

This past week has seen Boris Johnson allegedly heckled while participating in the RideLondon 100 event, but that hasn't stopped the Mayor today defending both the event and people's right to cycle on a LBC 97.3 radio phone in.

Confronted with an irate taxi driver, who claims Boris put Londoners 'through hell' by closing roads for the debut event, Johnson responded by stating: "I think it was a wonderful event. I think most Taxi drivers understand that you do need to have a variety of transport in this city."

Incorrectly, the taxi driver states "The more bikes you put on the road, the more deaths you'll have. These roads were never designed for this (cycling)."

The LBC presenter later interupts by asking "When are you going to allow motorists to drive down cycle lanes, when are you going to remove cycles from the street."

Despite being faced with the presenter's clearly baised stance on the debate, Boris responded by stating: "That is not something I plan. We need to have a London where people feel more confident about cycling, that's what we're aiming for. It's healthy, it's clean, it's green, because it's beautiful and because it's fundamentally the best way to get around."

The radio show briefly touches on the death of a cyclist as a result of an incident with a HGV at Archway yesterday. The man in his 60s is the sixth cyclist to die in such a collision in the capital this year.

Cycle Safety Shield has recently linked with Ringway Jacobs, among others, in order to reduce HGV and cyclist collisions via a cab mounted camera recognition system. Read more about that here.

To listen to the radio debate, see here.

BG Innovations, a part of Team BG, has announced its plans to enter the cycling market with both lubrication and bike protection products.

The firm's newly introduced PRO range will initially be made up of 'PROclean-gold', an 100 per cent natural plant based degreaser and cleaner, and two 'PROtecht' products, designed to prevent corrosion and provide protection for bikes from mud, water, salt, acid and other corrosive substances.

The firm is best known for its long history in the motorsport and car industry.

Ian Taylor from BG Innovations said of the product: “PROclean-gold is acid free and biodegradable yet it removes dirt, dust and grease from any surface in seconds with minimal work involved. For frame builders and renovators it also leaves the surface perfectly clean in preparation for painting.

"The PROtecht 1 and 2 products use Nano-technology to offer levels of resistance to corrosion and moisture repellency almost unheard of previously, with PROtecht-1 also leaving the surface luster in the same state as you began, be it bright, shiny or matt."

All products are packaged in aerosol form and are VOC free. Prices start at £9.95 (retail) for PROclean-gold, £14.95 for PROtecht-1 and £13.50 for PROtecht-2 with what the firm says are 'good retailer margins' available across the range.

Stock is now available to retailers in the cycling market and the Silverstone-based firm are contactable on +44 7930 180 656.

www.bginnovate.com

Leisure Lakes Bury branch was hit by theives on Saturday, with a large stock of Santa Cruz and Yeti Bikes, as well as numerous suspension forks all stolen.

According to the store's web page it wasn't the only local cycling business targetted on Saturday.

A full list of the Santa Cruz Bikes that were stolen is found below. The numbers in brackets are the frame numbers of each of the bikes.

• Tallboy alloy SPX 29er Large White (AI0405975)
• Tallboy LT Carbon XT AM 29er Medium Yellow (G0012ML)
• Blur Alloy TR XT XC Large Red (A21254509)
• Bronson Alloy XT AM Medium Grey (a502937s)
• Bronson Carbon XTR AM Medium (gfsnl00bbm00250)

And the Yeti Bikes that were stolen.

• SB66 Carbon Black XT Build Kit Medium
• SB95 Carbon Turq Race Build Kit Large (3dofa 510070-3dora010194)

Eight pairs of suspension forks were also removed in the raid:

• Rockshox Pike RCT3
• Rockshox Reba RL29
• Rockshox Pike RCT3
• Rockshox Sektor
• Fox 32 Float 140 RLC x2
• Fox 34 Float
• Yeti Fox 32's x 2
• Fox 34 Float CTD x2

If you have any information at all about what has happened please either contact the police direct, or Anthony at Bury:
Email: bury@leisure-lakes.co.uk
Tel: 0161 797 5625

The store is also contactable on its Facebook Fan Page and Twitter.

New Mayor of Rome Ignazio Marino has declared his plans to 'pedestrianize' historic parts of the city and curb car domination in a city where petrol costs on average €1.80 a litre.

Beginning with the road spanning the Forum to the Colosseum, the Mayor told the BBC on saturday that "We must chose whether we want cars or to value our monuments."

Previously a transplant surgeon, Marino came into office mid-June and, depsite Rome's car-dominance, has since been seen cycling to many meetings.

"Today is the beginning of a dream. I believe we have a responsibility to keep the richness of history for the entire human kind - it is more important than a shortcut,” said Marino.

"I don’t think any other city in the world ... would have turned the Colosseum, probably the most famous monument on the planet, into a roundabout.

“I say it with respect, but between the interest of someone who can’t stop in front of his newsagent in his car, and the protection of the Colosseum, I choose the latter."

What bikes do you own?
I’m currently riding a signature Ben Hucke Nightseeker custom build Diamondback BMX bike and a Diamondback Mission Pro 2012 full sus mountain bike.

Where’s your favourite place to ride?
I try to ride at Radcliffe on Trent outdoor park as much as possible. The best mountain bike trails I’ve ridden at The Canyons in Park City, Utah.

What’s the biggest rush achievable on a bike?
Blasting down a trail as fast as possible on my mission, or riding a spine ramp with my buddies.

Eurobike or Interbike?
Eurobike. It’s the best place for seeing what’s happening in the industry.

What’s your role at Raleigh/Diamondback? And what does it involve?
Product/brand manager. I’m responsible for the brand’s European ranges from initial concept to finished product – from frames, to component spec, right down to decal style. I also work closely with the marketing and sales team, getting feedback about how we can constantly move the products forward.

What’s the best part of your job?  
Having the freedom and resources to create outstanding Diamondback products and then ride them. It’s immensely satisfying.

Are you looking for dealers to come on board at the moment?
We are looking for dealers, but they have to be the right dealers, Diamondback is an IBD-only brand now.

Retail giant and bicycle seller Sports Direct is to face a legal challenge over its use of Zero hour contracts.

38 Degrees is to raise funds to back a tribunal case brought by law firm Leigh Day in order to test the legality of the treatment of employees on such contracts - which could set a precedent for other businesses using the employment method. A win in court would also back the Government into a corner to tighten up employment law rules to protect vulnerable employees.

National news sources report that all part-time Sports Direct staff are on the Zero Hour Contracts. The firm has so far not commented on the reports.

Such contracts offer employees no guaranteed hours week to week, no holiday pay, or sick pay.

Read more on the Sports Direct story here.

Clearly excited about its 2014 product, Selle Royal forwent the usual Eurobike launch in order to show a handful of European cycling press the product first hand at its Vicenza factory. Mark Sutton reports on a fresh take on saddle design by a giant in the business…

As anyone who has pedaled a few miles over a cobbled road, or through a churned up field will agree, the importance of having the right saddle under your bum can’t be underestimated. From comfort, through performance, right down to linked medical issues, if your customer’s serious about cycling, they’ll want to get it right.

On the front line of the cycle trade, there is gradually more and more money to be made from matching customers to their ideal saddle. Whether you’re measuring bums as part of a bike fit, or simply placing a female customer on a saddle designed specifically for the female form, there’s an art to getting it right.

It’s something saddle manufacturer Selle Royal knows a thing or two about, with around 20,000 saddles produced at the Vicenza factory for the firm’s brand catalogue daily. That number doubles in high season. As owners of the Brooks, Fi’zi:k and Crank Brothers, you’ll find boxes of saddle rails, rolls of material and stacks of saddle moulds stacked sky high in the firm’s factory, all set for distribution to more than 70 countries globally once assembled into the finished article.

It’s an operation run like clockwork, with 210 staff on the production floor and another 90 in the sleek office building, making the firm second only to clothing manufacturer Diesel in terms of numbers employed in the region.

So why spoil the surprise of Eurobike launches by giving us journos a ticket to roam the building and get hands on with production line staff to see first hand the processes that go into creating a purpose built saddle?

Well, presumably it’s because you’d assume there’s nothing more than a bit of plastic, some fancy gel and a bit of glue going into the production of a top-end saddle? Well, you’d be wrong. A handmade saddle, as many coming from Selle Royal’s factory are, is far more time consuming than you may realise.

“Selle Royal has paid close attention to what different types of cyclists require from their saddles,” explains Selle Royal brand manager Roberto Bucci.

“We’ve come up with a number of fresh takes on the performance and comfort  market, with a simple guide for dealers to establish quickly and easily the best fit for  their customer.”

The focus of Selle’s presentation revolved largely around the new Performa and Comfort catalogues. The former concept, targeted at the athletic cyclists out there revolves around three design principles – badged by Selle Royal as Flat, Wave and Anatomic – each served by two saddles, a high and a mid-range unit. These are set to retail for around €69.90 and €49.90, respective of the tier, once Raleigh receives stock in the UK just after Eurobike.

The Flat concept is for the cyclist who frequently shifts their position in the saddle to gain maximum pedalling efficiency and flexibility. Middle of the road, the Wave is contoured to support the rider just a shade more than a flat design while maintaining a sporty position. For maximum comfort, but with a retained aggressive stance in the saddle, the Anatomic saddle is best suited to the longer-distance cyclist who may need additional relief on the perineum.

The packaging indicates strongly which best suits the customer and the Comfort line is no different, with the steps between saddles revolving around the stance of the rider. There’s Athletic, for a low to the handlebar 30 degree stance, moderate for the rider who is not all out sporty, but perhaps likes to do the occasional Strava segment and Relaxed – a true sit up and beg suited saddle for your Dutch bike riding customers. Alongside these recommendations you’ll find a guide to the gender each saddle suits, or whether it’s unisex.
Selle has employed the services of former Mercedes Benz designer and high-end watch creator Motoki Yoshio to ensure the styling is just right on the Performa catalogue, to boot.

Selle Royal has also been busy developing its eco-credentials with another launch – a four saddle, €59.90 priced environmentally friendly line dubbed ‘Becoz’, which also includes matching ergonomic grips. Telling the press that every stage of production has been analysed, the Becoz line utilises a 100 per cent bio base, natural oils, leather offcuts otherwise set for the landfill for the motif and FSC certified conifer wood flour to create what could be the world’s ‘greenest saddle’. The combination of unusual materials gives each saddle its own unique distressed finish, which is said to be as resilient to wear and tear as conventional designs.

There’s subtle technologies worked into even some of the most niche saddles too, with some black saddles in the comfort line covered with a material that reflects the sun, as opposed to heating up.

Then there’s the introduction of folding bike and electric bike specific saddles with handles and finger grooves included in the areas the customer will be gripping onto mid-fold, or while lifting a heavier e-bike out of the shed. There’s even a saddle specific for the customer who may not have ridden for some time, capable of supporting a load of up to 150 kilos.

On the standard models, a sample from each batch sent out is stress tested with a pressure of 100 kilograms applied through a cycle of 1,000 reps to ensure the product will last.

With such depth now in the catalogue, the production line has never been busier, with ‘work wives’ hand stretching material over pre-glued bases, working in pairs to iron out any creases and hand finish the product with tools not too dissimilar looking to a pair of thick tyre levers and a scalpel to cut off any excess. Anyone present at Raleigh’s recent dealer meet would have no doubt have noted colour-matched Fi’zi:k and Selle Royal saddles on numerous bikes in the room, including HaiBike’s flagship builds. It’s no exaggeration to say that the OEM business now caters for some of the world’s top brands, such is the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail shown by the manufacturer.

To view BikeBiz's photo gallery of the tour, see here.

Well worth a visit: www.worldwidecyclingatlas.com

www.selleroyal.com

Devon clothing label Whackjob is seeking retailers in the mountain bike world and will be forwarding orders of its new 'Flow' shirt to retailers within the customer's postcode.

According to Whackjob, consumer response to the new design has been so strong that they are now being asked for pre-order details from the public.

“Since announcing the imminent arrival of Flow on our Facebook page, we have already received numerous requests for stockist information from consumers wanting to pre-order. It’s been an amazing response,” says MD Joel Teague.

“The product is available from mid-August and we would like to give retailers the opportunity to capitalise on this demand by being among the first in the UK to stock the product. We will pass all pre-order requests received from any given area to the nearest retailer and help drive new customers into their shops.”

Made from ethically sourced and technical materials such as bamboo and organic cotton, these Fairwear Foundation and Soil Association Organic Standard approved garments are available to order now with a mid-August delivery.

The Flow trail tee is designed to be worn on and off the bike and is priced at £26, including a female specific cut version. The Flow jersey has an retail price of £35, with the hoodies coming in at £38.

All stockist enquiries should be directed to Kate Ryley at Whackjob on 01395 220075, or you can visit the ‘Become a Reseller’ page on the Whackjob website at http://www.whackjob.co.uk/resellers/become-a-reseller/

The August issue of BikeBiz is now available to read online, or to download in pdf form here.

We begin with a trip to ATB Sales bike launch at the Lotus F1 Centre, where we were given insight into what to expect from the distributor into next year. See page 11 for more on that.

Next up, we catch up with Moore Large's Lake brand manager Martin Pounder and Lake owner Christian Van Asten, who together reveal new cyclocross gear, as well as talking sponsorship and materials. More from Lake on page 13.

The first preview of what's to come at the Cycle Show is found on page 14. A further, more in depth article is set to be carried in the September issue.

As you may read on BikeBiz.com today, we were fortunate enough to spend three days in the company of Selle Royal at it's headquarters during July. For a insightful look at a company producing a minimum of 20,000 saddles a day, flick to pages 17 and 18 in your magazine for more.

Raleigh's MD Mark Gouldthorp is interviewed over the page, where he declares an ambition to corner the 'lifestyle cycling' sector.

Though already revealed online, we give you a guide to the BikeBiz Awards finalists, each nominated by their peers in the trade. Read more on pages 21 through 26.

Hastings is frequented by our man of mystery this month, with five branches visited. Find out how Mystery Shopper got on over on page 30.

SRAM detail their ambitions and plans to have product with dealers while the media are talking about it on page 33.

JVC's new Adixxion GC-XA2 helmet camera is given an in depth review on page 34.

That's followed by a pre-Eurobike summary of what to expect from this year's instalment of the world's largest cycling show.

There is of course plenty more the deeper you delve into our August issue, with the regular looks at the Electric bike and outdoor markets, as well as the people and recruitment section, new products and Carlton Reid's Spokesman column.

Enjoy.

Since it launched last summer, Cyclist magazine has surpassed all launch plan expectations, says publisher Dennis.

Tapping into the boom in road cycling in Britain, with huge numbers of new participants and the growth of a sophisticated new market, Cyclist was set up to appeal to an ‘executive’ audience that appreciates the beauty and heritage of the sport, and they now have a magazine that reflects their attitudes and aspirations.

Circulation targets are currently exceeding the publisher's plan, with total average circulation at 20,500 – and in terms of UK newsstand (average ~13K), overseas Newsstand (~average 2000) and subscribers (5500 volume). Cyclist's biggest issue of the year achieved a pagination of 188 pages with 62 pages of advertising, which is second in the market that month to Cycling Plus, said the publisher.

Dennis said: "From the first issue, the aim of the Cyclist team has been to bring a new level of journalistic and visual quality to the cycling market.

'Much of the reason for Cyclist’s rapid success is owing to its elegant design, which has been much lauded by readers. The magazine uses only the best, exclusive photography – no agency images – and we ensure that every feature is presented in a way that is stunning to look at, whether it’s an Alpine vista or carbon wheel. Cyclist’s ride photography brings to life the freedom and exertion of the sport, while the product photography aims to show off in fine detail the craftsmanship involved in bicycle construction.   We are steering clear of reviews with star ratings, as what suits us may not necessarily suit everyone.  Our goal is to steer our reader in the direction of a product that will suit their needs and assist them in making an informed decision."

The publisher also has some client testimonials:
 
Paola Santini – Santini: "The launch of Cyclist Magazine is exciting, it’s a beautiful magazine and we’re proud to be seen in the publication that offers something different. We are very careful with our brand and we are careful who we partner with, our brand means everything to us."
 
Calvin Cox – Marketing Manager Sigma Sport: "When we saw the first copy of Cyclist we recognised a great fit with the Sigma Sport brand, the quality of the content and photography matches the Sigma Sport objective of providing the highest levels of expert customer services in the industry. It’s great to see a publication taking time to produce unique, quality content giving readers excellent advice."
 

Raleigh UK managing director Mark Gouldthorp has revealed how he plan to boost Raleigh, following the 2012 acquisition.

Speaking to BikeBiz, Gouldthorp said he wants Raleigh to ‘own the lifestyle cycling sector’ by keeping the brand in the public eye and refining its product line-up post-Accell takeover.

Raleigh recently held its product launch show at Birmingham.

The Raleigh boss told BikeBiz: “Where Raleigh can win commercially is in the lifestyle sector. Again you have to be on trend with looks, finish and specification, but with something like the Red or Dead bikes we are looking to introduce a fashion element. We’ve had partnerships in the past with the likes of Ben Sherman and there are other opportunities there to keep Raleigh in the public domain.

“Look at the Beano Chopper. It’s a bit of fun, we’re not hanging our hat on it commercially, but again it keeps us high in the public domain in a cost-effective way.

“I want Raleigh to own the lifestyle cycling sector.

“There’s a lot of competition in that space with brands that are as good as we are and we’ve got to work hard to prise that market from their grasp. That’s where our heritage is and with a bit of style and engineering we can conquer.

“We have made steps forward, but I think 2015 is when I’ll feel we’re bringing true differentiation in there. That’s bloody difficult to achieve in the bike market. If you look at the German market particularly, the refinements in aesthetics that German lifestyle bikes have is something we can bring to the UK market. I don’t mean transplanting German specifics into the UK market, but the use of new materials to add to a product and give it a distinct personality…I think we’re on the way. We want people to be able to say ‘that’s a Raleigh bike’, not a Giant, or a Ridgeback…that’s the mission of the team.

“Having Haibike in the range gets us back to that credible one-stop-shop status.”

For more turn to page 20 of BikeBiz August, which you can download or read online here.

Local bike shop Wolf Mountain Cycles puts together Team Raleigh event
Today (Friday August 9th) pro riders from Team Raleigh will be training with cycling stars of the future at a special event being held for Wolverhampton Wheelers Cycling Club members.
 
Local Raleigh stockist Wolf Mountain Cycles helped organise the event where club riders will be able to train with Team Raleigh and get tips about life as a pro. A sneak preview of Raleigh's 2014 range and prizes will also be on offer.

Wolf Mountain Cycles shop manager Alan Hilleard said: "We are looking forward to a brilliant event with the Wheelers, there are a number of young riders with fantastic potential and they are sure to benefit from the experience of Team Raleigh's pro riders. We're really looking forward to seeing the new Raleigh performance bikes in particular, the Militis Race in particular is turning a few heads as its black and yellow colour scheme matches the Wheelers' club colours.”

Geoff Giddings, Raleigh Marketing Director added: "Team Raleigh have once again proved their status as one of the biggest and best teams on the domestic circuit so it's fantastic opportunity to have these top-notch athletes representing Raleigh. We're delighted to be able to support dealer-organised events like these and we are sure the Wheelers are going to have a fantastic time with Team Raleigh.

“Raleigh bike stockists are welcome to get in touch with their account manager for more details on how we can help."

This event is part of Wolverhampton Wheelers Friday night track training session.

Over 35 years, six films, countless spin-offs and another film trilogy on the way – starting in 2015 courtesy of Disney and JJ Abrams – Star Wars is as big a brand now as it ever has been. 

It's fortuitous timing for Buff which has now launched its inaugural Star Wars collection.

The Star Wars licensed designs for adults include the Original, Polar, Bandana, hoodie and Neckwarmer Knitted and Polar Fleece Buff.

Designed include characters and themes from Star Wars. Available to ship now from Buffera.

POS displays will be available free to stockists. Lightsabers are optional.

Buffera: 01707 852244

A host of sporting celebrities, including Michael Vaughan and Victoria Pendleton, are to set out on a four leg charity ride to raise funds for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and Chance to Shine.

The proposed route will follow the Natwest One Day International series against Australia and there will be opportunities to watch the action alongside the sports stars after the days ride.

With 50 places available on each leg of the tour, cyclists are invited to join the pair, as well as Jamie Redknapp and Andrew Strauss - all that is required is a £250 registration fee and a commitement to raise a minimum of £450 for the charities.

The series takes place between September 6th to 17th.

To enquire about participation, contact info@chancetoride.co.uk, or phone 020 7409 5816.

www.chancetoride.co.uk

H Young's bike only distribution arm Sportline is to carry Ridley bikes, once again giving the UK trade a source for the Belgian label's bikes.

Announced at the end of last month, H Young's (Madison's parent company) new distribution firm now has a stable made up of Saracen, Ridgeback, Genesis, Adventure and Ridley.

"We are delighted to welcome Sportline as the exclusive UK distributor for Ridley," said Jochim Aerts, Ridley Bikes' CEO. "With Sportline, our customers around the UK and Ireland can count on a high level of support across all aspects of the business. During the past 30 years Sportline/Madison have built a strong business based around high levels of knowledge and customer care. As the worldwide technological market leader, I believe that Ridley, together with Sportline, can reach a new audience within in the UK and Ireland, which is one of the most important markets for Ridley within Europe."

Founded in 1997, the Ridley brand quickly grew to be the Belgian market leader within the race bike market, followed swiftly by further growth and expansion which lead to an international breakthrough in 2004. The 2013 Tour de France saw André Greipel of Lotto Belissol take the win at Stage Six onboard his Ridley Noah Fast, a testament to the pedigree of the Ridley brand.

The label largely has a skinny tyre focus, manufacturing bikes for road cyclists, cyclocross riders, triathletes and leisure cyclists. Sportline will be ranging the entire Ridley catalogue.

Dealers can view the Ridley range at Sportline's bike launch event, which is taking place this September, with stock availability to follow shortly after.

This past week has seen Boris Johnson allegedly heckled while participating in the RideLondon 100 event, but that hasn't stopped the Mayor today defending both the event and people's right to cycle on a LBC 97.3 radio phone in.

Confronted with an irate taxi driver, who claims Boris put Londoners 'through hell' by closing roads for the debut event, Johnson responded by stating: "I think it was a wonderful event. I think most Taxi drivers understand that you do need to have a variety of transport in this city."

Incorrectly, the taxi driver states "The more bikes you put on the road, the more deaths you'll have. These roads were never designed for this (cycling)."

The LBC presenter later interupts by asking "When are you going to allow motorists to drive down cycle lanes, when are you going to remove cycles from the street."

Despite being faced with the presenter's clearly baised stance on the debate, Boris responded by stating: "That is not something I plan. We need to have a London where people feel more confident about cycling, that's what we're aiming for. It's healthy, it's clean, it's green, because it's beautiful and because it's fundamentally the best way to get around."

The radio show briefly touches on the death of a cyclist as a result of an incident with a HGV at Archway yesterday. The man in his 60s is the sixth cyclist to die in such a collision in the capital this year.

Cycle Safety Shield has recently linked with Ringway Jacobs, among others, in order to reduce HGV and cyclist collisions via a cab mounted camera recognition system. Read more about that here.

To listen to the radio debate, see here.