This weekend sees the latest Olympic test event to be held in London. The 140km road test event will be contested by 19 different nations, plus 10 additional pro teams. In all there will be around 150 riders on the start line on Sunday. It will have the feel of a Pro Tour event to it with many foreign stars choosing to check the route out.

Ireland will be fielding a 4 man team of David McCann, Martin Irvine, Peter Hawkins and Felix English. The team will be managed by Phil Leigh and Neil Martin.

Local favorite for the event will be Mark Cavendish and with a number of UK pro teams in the field against 5 man teams he will be the man to beat.

The race is 140km with 2 times up “Box Hill” to contend with compared to 9 in the Olympic Road Race next year. The race is an ideal opportunity for Ireland (riders and staff) to reccy the course and some of the logistics around the event and venue.