HINDHEAD hand cyclist Kirk Hughes rose to a new challenge as part of Prudential Ridelondon ’s three day festival of cycling.

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Cycling Association rider was invited to compete in the new Grand Prix Hand cycle non-elite competition, and he crossed the line in fifth place against a strong field.

Now in its fourth year, Prudential RideLondon saw 29,689 riders complete the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 and 46 sportives on Sunday, including some of the sport’s biggest names. For the first time, there were races on a third day, with Mr Hughes among many taking to the Lee Valley VeloPark at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, last Friday.

Kirk said: “It was brilliant, a fantastic event which I was so thrilled to take part in. It was a tough challenge, particularly when the heat got up, but you get into hand cycling for the challenges and this was one of the best by far.

“This was only my second race, so to be able to compete at such a high level, never mind doing so well, was fantastic and I’m really chuffed.

“Being able to take part in the very first RideLondon Friday was really exciting, there was a fantastic atmosphere and lots of support which was huge for the sport. It’s one of the biggest events around, and to get a chance to be able to come to the Olympic Park is fantastic– it doesn’t really get much better than that. To have a non-elite race for the hand cyclists was really important, you don’t get a chance to race very often so when you do get that opportunity it’s vital to make the most of it.”

A cyclist, who was raising money for cancer charities, suffered a cardiac arrest about 25 miles into the 100-mile course, at Kingston on Thames. He received immediate treatment at the scene but died later in hospital.

Robin Chard, 48, from Bicester, is the third participant in three years to die following a heart attack during the event. Three cyclists were seriously hurt in crashes during the event, causing long delays on the course.

In total 33 riders were taken to hospital. Despite diversions put in place, including a major re-route to avoid the Box Hill climb, there were still delayed riders on the course when the men’s professional race, which closed the weekend, took to the same roads later that afternoon.

Belgium’s 35-year-old ex-world champion Tom Boonen won the men’s professional race, which included Tour de France winner Chris Froome.