Mark Cavendish to headline second Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic

Mark Cavendish is expecting a bumper British crowd to flock to the roadsides for the second Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic later this year.

Cavendish will headline the event on Sunday August 10, leading his world number one Omega Pharma Quick-Step team along a tougher course, which has been altered to incorporate sections of the 2012 Olympic Road Race route – one especially familiar to the sprinter.

And following the success of similar road events, Cavendish expects the race, which will be covered live on BBC1, to draw a big number to the Surrey Hills circuits.

The 29-year-old will first set his sights on the Tour de France green jersey he last won in 2011, but is already relishing an opportunity to race the 200km circuits over the North Downs.

“I’m excited to be riding in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic for the first time this year,” he said.

“It’s another opportunity to race in front of the amazing crowds in Britain. Coming after the Tour de France and Commonwealth Games, more and more people are going to be at the roadside cheering us on and wanting to be a part of the weekend.

“The whole event just shows the growth of cycling in Britain, so it will be great to be a part of it with my Omega Pharma Quick-Step team. We know it’s a challenging route, but we also know it’s one that can end in a sprint finish, which should suit the team and me.”