A POPULAR event which sees thousands of cyclists ride through Essex has confirmed its routes for the next three years up to 2026.

The Ford RideLondon Essex event has planned and confirmed its routes for numerous different challenges in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

First starting in 2013, the Ford RideLondon-Essex event provides cycling enthusiasts of all levels with the amazing opportunity to take on an ambitious physical feat for charity.

On either of its 100, 60 or 30 mile challenges, you can cycle in traffic-free conditions and take in the sites of London and Essex.

The routes for all three challenges have now been confirmed for the next several years.

Braintree and Witham Times: Event - Cyclists will be able to take part in 30,60 or 100 mile challenges, here is a photo from last year's eventEvent - Cyclists will be able to take part in 30,60 or 100 mile challenges, here is a photo from last year's event (Image: London Marathon Events)

The route will start and end in central London, and each challenge will take you through picturesque Essex towns and villages such as Braintree, Epping, Ongar, and Great Dunmow.

The second half of the ride passes Felstead and Chelmsford before returning to London via Ongar.

Lee Scott, Essex County’s Cabinet Member for planning a growing economy, is greatly anticipating the event.

He said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Ford RideLondon-Essex back to the county over the next three years.

Braintree and Witham Times: Exciting - Another photo from last year's eventExciting - Another photo from last year's event (Image: London Marathon Events)

“The event brings thousands of riders and visitors to Essex with many expressing a desire to return to the county after the event.

“It is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the county, inspire people to get fit and it raises millions of pounds for charity each year.

“We are always looking to improve the event and over the next few months we will be working closely with the local communities along the route to ensure the event continues to go from strength to strength and that the whole of the county benefits.”

Earlier this year in May for its 2023 edition, the 100-mile route saw riders cycle towards Uttlesford and into Braintree before heading towards Chelmsford and back towards London.

It is expected that roughly 25,000 cyclists will take part in the 2024 edition which is being held from May 24 to 26.

Since its inception, RideLondon has raised more than £85 million for charities.

You can now enter the Ford RideLondon-Essex 100 mile challenge. Entries for the 60-mile event start in November and entries for the 30-mile event will open in early 2024.

Head to ridelondon.co.uk to find out more.