The Ford RideLondon Classique will not take place in 2025 due to a scheduling conflict. This decision follows the UCI’s unexpected move of the Classique’s date on the Women’s WorldTour calendar, rendering it impossible for London to host the event.
Event Director of Ford RideLondon and CEO of London Marathon Events, Hugh Brasher, expressed his disappointment, calling it a “sad day for professional women’s cycling.” He revealed that the UCI informed them of the date change on 26th March 2024, shifting the event from its usual slot at the end of May to 30th May – 1st June.
“We were extremely surprised to be informed by the UCI… There was no consultation or prior warning,” Brasher stated. He added that major events in London are planned many years in advance, making it impossible to reschedule the Classique at such short notice. The UCI’s decision, he noted, means the 2025 Ford RideLondon Classique cannot proceed.
Brasher highlighted the significance of the Classique, noting its status as one of the higher-profile events on the UCI Women’s WorldTour. The race, held in one of the world’s most influential cities, enjoys extensive sponsorship support and live coverage on BBC TV and internationally. “Many teams and riders cite the event as one of their top races of the year,” he remarked.
Despite the cancellation of the Classique, the Mayor of London’s festival of cycling will proceed on Sunday, 25th May 2025, featuring over 50,000 participants in various events across London and Essex. Brasher emphasised the success of RideLondon as the most enduring legacy event from the 2012 Olympic Games, with none of the other events affected by the UCI’s decision.
Reflecting on this year’s race, British star Lizzie Deignan praised the Ford RideLondon Classique, saying, “The Ford RideLondon Classique has the best riders in the world, the best sprinter in the world [Lorena Wiebes], and it’s attracting the fastest female cyclists in the world.”
Deignan further noted the importance of the event for sprinters. “There aren’t that many races on the calendar anymore that are completely suited to sprinters, and I think that the Ford RideLondon Classique is a bit of a marquee event in terms that the best sprinters come here wanting to prove they are the best sprinter in the world. It’s a great opportunity for them.”
She also commended the organisation of the race, stating, “It’s brilliant to race such a well-organised race. It makes a huge difference to the staff, to the riders, we couldn’t have asked for more from that perspective.”
