Double Olympian James Cracknell has been working with Police and the local council in Surrey ahead of this year’s London to Surrey Cycle Classic race this weekend in an effort to urge amateur cyclists to take steps to ensure they protect themselves from injury whilst out cycling. The 39 year, who is himself a keen cyclist, was injured during a cycle race in the USA last year when he was hit from behind by a truck.
In that accident he suffered bruising to his brain, attributing his survival to wearing a helmet. It was this experience that motivated James to become involved in spreading cycling safety messages ahead of this weekend’s big race, which forms one of the official test events for next summer’s London Olympics.
Following the route of the Olympic men’s and women’s cycling road races, this weekend’s course sees riders depart from The Mall in central London, head down to Hampton Court and cycle south west through Greater London. From there riders will head towards Box Hill in Surrey, expected to provide some of the most spectacular views of the Olympic race next year. After two laps of the hill, they will retrace their tracks back into central London.
In his partnership with Surrey Police and the county council, Mr. Cracknell will be delivering a series of safety messages to amateur cyclists advising them about safety equipment and urging them to take steps so that they can enjoy cycling without being injured.