Wiggins to take part in RideLondon

Sir Bradley Wiggins has announced he plans to return to the roads for the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic on August 2.

The 2012 Tour de France winner, who earlier this month broke the UCI's famed World Hour Record by setting a distance of 54.526 kilometres at the Lee Valley VeloPark, will lead his eponymous Team Wiggins in the 200km race which will also feature Etixx - Quick-Step's star sprinter Mark Cavendish.

"It's always fantastic to race on home roads and this race is very special," Wiggins said.

"My team is really looking forward to it. I was amazed how many people were out watching last year in that appalling weather.

"The whole Prudential RideLondon festival shows how much cycling has grown in this country."

Wiggins has wound down his road career to focus on the track ahead of next summer's Rio Olympics, but was the star turn at the inaugural Tour de Yorkshire in May and his presence in the 150-strong field for this race, part of the fifth Prudential RideLondon, should ensure big crowds turn out once again.

"Every race wants Wiggins," said race director Mick Bennett. "He now has rock-star status and generates massive excitement wherever he races.

"We expect hundreds of thousands of spectators to line the route to cheer him on."

The route will see the riders start on Horse Guard's Parade before heading out of London towards Dorking, tackling Leith Hill and Box Hill before heading back to the capital via Kingston, culminating in an expected sprint finish on The Mall.