Prudential RideLondon, the world's greatest festival of cycling, returns on 1-2 August with more than 95,000 riders expected to participate in five events over the weekend in the Mayor of London's annual event. 

Mark Cavendish will race in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic on Sunday 2 August. He will ride with his Etixx - Quick-Step team, who are the first big name signings for the men's pro race, which will feature 25 teams of six riders. Now in its third year, the race will offer the highest prize money pool of any one-day Classic and will be televised live by BBC Sport with coverage distributed worldwide. 

Cavendish said today: "I can't wait to ride this year. After only two years, this race is already an event every rider wants to win and you can't beat racing in front of British crowds. After missing out in 2014 I was determined to ride in 2015." 

This year the 200km race starts at the iconic location of Horse Guards Parade in central London before going out into Surrey. The peloton will tackle the iconic Surrey ascents of Leith Hill (the highest point in the county), Ranmore Common and the famous zigzags of Box Hill before returning to London through Leatherhead, Oxshott, Esher and Kingston upon Thames. The closing stages of the race go through Parliament Square, up Whitehall, through Trafalgar Square and Admiralty Arch before the final sprint along The Mall towards Buckingham Palace and the finish line. 

Mick Bennett, Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic Race Director, said: "We're delighted to have Mark Cavendish in this year's field. He's not just a great sprinter but he's also a very good climber on this type of terrain and this route should suit him very well. The extra circuit of the climb to Ranmore Common that we've added to the route this year brings a whole new dimension to a great race. We are set for something very special on 2 August." 

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "Once again the capital's streets will be packed with roaring crowds as they cheer on some of the world's top cyclists, including our very own Mark Cavendish, who will no doubt race up The Mall faster than a rocket. London has consistently proved that it can host world-leading sporting and cultural events and Prudential RideLondon is another showcase piece for the capital, helping to boost tourism, drive economic benefit and inspire more and more people out onto their bikes." 

Earlier on Sunday 2 August, more than 25,000 riders (an increase of 25 per cent from 2014) will take on the challenge of the third Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100, starting from Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and finishing on The Mall after heading out into Surrey. In 2014, 20,709 riders raised more than £10 million for charity, breaking the UK fundraising record for a one-day cycling event that was set in the inaugural year. 

The organisers will deliver an extensive community engagement programme with the support of the London boroughs on the route and Surrey County Council to help residents and businesses along the route plan ahead. This will include a leaflet drop in July to 1 million+ residents and businesses along the route, drop-in session for local people and community access plans. 

In 2015, the Mayor of London's cycling festival will host the 10th Brompton World Championship as part of the Prudential RideLondon Grand Prix races in St James's Park on Saturday 1 August. Brompton Bikes have been made in London since 1975, however, this will be the first time that the Brompton World Championships have been held in the capital, giving Brompton riders the chance to race on a world-famous circuit that starts and finishes on The Mall and takes in Horse Guards Parade and Buckingham Palace. 

This unique and hugely enjoyable Brompton event takes the form of a Le Mans-style start as 575 smartly-dressed competitors from around the world make a mad dash to unfold their bikes before setting off on the circuit. Previous winners include Roberto Heras, the three-time winner of the Vuelta a España, and the British racing cyclist and writer Michael Hutchinson. The rules require smart dress and no lycra is permitted. 

The 2015 Brompton World Championship is open to all, with places limited to 575. Registration is now open at www.Prudential RideLondon.co.uk and will close after 1,500 entries have been received or at 17:00 on Tuesday 7 April (whichever is earlier). 

Hugh Brasher, Event Director for Prudential RideLondon, said: "In just two years, Prudential RideLondon is now internationally recognised as the world's greatest and largest festival of cycling and 95,000+ riders will cycle more than 3 million miles over the weekend of 1-2 August." 

For more information visit www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk.