Prudential RideLondon 100, 2014

The 100-mile course had to be shortened to 86 because of terrible weather conditions across the area caused by the tail of Hurricane Bertha. At one point it seemed that the whole event would need to be cancelled. I was able to complete the course non-stop despite conditions that Chris Boardman (also riding) described as “went from torrential to biblical and back to horrendous”. Torrential downpours and buffeting winds led to treacherous riding conditions, causing the action to grind to a halt periodically so that fire services and ambulances could access floods and accidents. This ride was a serious challenge for anybody, particularly with hundreds of punctures, but it was ridden in good humour that was helped by the fact that it was very wet but not cold. I was pleased with my time (4 hours 45 mins 16 secs), averaging 18.1 mph, finishing with a sprint down The Mall. My total mileage was 95 miles including the rides to the start and from the finish. I had intended to do an extra five miles to make up the hundred but my saddle became attached to me (completely broken) as I climbed off my bike back at the car park. Steve Bullen