A WEEKEND of events saw amateur and professional world cyclists eagerly race to the finish line.

RideLondon took place over the weekend with multiple events and stages for all cyclists to enjoy.

The three day event began in Maldon on Friday with stage one of RideLondon Classique, which began and ended in Promenade Park.

The Classique races feature world star cyclists as part of the UCI Women’s World Tour as they compete for classifications such as Best British Rider.

Stage two began in Chelmsford and ended in Epping on Saturday and stage three started and finished at Victoria Embankment on Sunday.

The RideLondon to Essex races of 100, 60 and 30 miles took place on Sunday, starting at Victoria Embankment and finishing at the busy Tower Bridge.

Cyclists from the UK and the world sped from London to Braintree and back in traffic free roads.

The variety of events allows anyone to take part and persuades beginners to take on their first race.

RideLondon is hosted by London Marathon Events who aim to inspire people to get active and take up a sport.

They recently partnered with Essex County Council by providing £1 million in funding for activities in Essex.

Nigel Pointer, 52, one of the lead volunteers for London Marathon Events said: "Friday is the elite ladies and it is the best of the best that are out.

“We volunteer for loads of the events that London Marathon hold.

“It’s a good day out, something different and the guys love being out in their pink t-shirts.”