Adam Blythe and Andre Greipel to race RideLondon-Surrey Classic

Adam Blythe will return to defend his RideLondon-Surrey Classic title on August 2, but will face stiff competition with Andre Greipel also confirmed to ride.

Blythe and Greipel join an already strong field, featuring Mark Cavendish and Sir Bradley Wiggins, in the 200km route through the Surrey countryside and finishing in central London.

Riding for British outfit NFTO in 2014, Blythe was the surprise winner last year, beating Ben Swift, Julan Alaphilippe and Philippe Gilbert to the line on the Mall.

“Adam Blythe will face a huge challenge to defend his title this year,” said Mick Bennett, Race Director of the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic.

“As last year’s winner, Blythe will be a marked man and our own Mark Cavendish and Greipel, two of the best sprinters in the world, together with their very strong teams, will be keeping a wary eye on him.”

Lotto-Soudal rider Greipel will make his debut in the race, having finished 27th in the Olympic Road Race along a similar route.

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The race will start on Horse Guards Parade before heading out towards the Surrey Hills via Dorking, reaching Box Hill. From there the riders will head back towards London through Kingston and Wimbledon before finishing on the Mall in front of Buckingham Palace.