START ME UP!

Looking for a silver lining in a pandemic is problematic, but the world of cycling can take solace in what the government has said is up to a 70 per cent increase, in certain places, in the number of people on bikes in the first seven weeks of lockdown. The government wants this trend to continue and to help alleviate pressure on public transport and prevent gridlock as the country gradually returns to work.

Unveiling a £2bn plan to boost cycling and walking, transport minister Grant Shapps said: “Outside London, half of all journeys are under three miles. If cycling increased by five per cent it would result in eight million fewer car journeys, nine million fewer rail journeys and 13 million fewer bus journeys. You don’t have to be a cyclist to benefit from that.”

So with that in mind we asked some of cycling’s leading figures, ranging from elite riders and coaches to GPs and nutritionists, for the advice they would offer to new and returning cyclists.

STEVE ABRAHAM

ULTRA-DISTANCE RIDER WHO HOLDS THE RECORD FOR ANNUAL MILEAGE IN THE 18-49 AGE GROUP WITH A DISTANCE OF 63,608.7 MILES

“Ride for fun. Any bike that