Having played host to the great, good and sometimes controversial stars of the cycling pantheon, the 2019 edition of the Rouleur Classic LDN will see talks from Greg LeMond, Sir Bradley Wiggins, Sean Yates and Fabian Cancellara. Alongside these, Lizzie Deignan and Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig are also due to speak on their experience of the contemporary peloton.
Hosted in a swanky London venue, the event is also a great opportunity to check out the latest kit, with Team GB’s new Lotus/Hope produced track bike there to be gazed upon. Also propped up on various pedestals will be Mads Pedersen’s World Championships winning Trek, alongside a whole host of Grand Tour bikes including Egan Bernal’s Tour de France winning yellow Pinarello Dogma F12.
Also on display will be a one-of-a-kind SwiftCarbon Ultravox created in memory of Jonathan Cantwell, which is to be auctioned with proceeds going towards mental health support and awareness initiatives. Marking one year since former professional rider took his own life, the former pro had been deeply involved with the brand, having set up a concept store in St Kilda, Melbourne and raced aboard the bike.
Emblazoned with the slogan ‘IT’S OK TO NOT BE OK’, the charities benefiting from the proceeds of the sale of the bike are changing society’s attitude towards mental illness, encouraging people to talk about their problems and for everyone to watch out for one another.
With more than 50 brands in attendance, there’ll also be current candy from Colnago, Cannondale, Festka, Bianchi, Cervélo, De Rosa, Scott and Wilier. Plus, for those with no time for the present, they’ll be historic retro bikes and components. Coming courtesy of the Koers Museum in Roselare, Belgium, it’ll be bringing some of its vast collection of historic items including Tom Boonen’s yellow jersey from the 2006 Tour de France.
For the first time, the event isn’t confined to the road either. Going big on gravel, Education First’s Lachlan Morton will be talking about his 'Alternative Calendar', while away from the stage you’ll be able to puruse a dedicated off-road corner.
With discussion of the latest tech from its designers, along with an exhibition of some of the newest examples, should any of that offering sound anything other than thrilling, there’s free beer all night from BrewDog and Halewood to help keep you amused.
Rouleur Classic LDN opens on the evening of Thursday 31st October, running through to 2nd November, showcasing more than 50 premium cycling brands and exhibiting the latest in performance bicycles, clothing and accessories.
Tickets to the Rouleur Classic LDN are available from £35 at rouleurclassic.cc