Why Olympian Nicola Adams is joining students on a ride from London to Surrey

The double gold medallist boxer is supporting the PruGOals campaign as part of Prudential RideLondon

For double Olympic boxing gold medallist Nicola Adams OBE, involving herself in sport at a young age was really important. “I had to find my own route into sport as a kid, and there are so many young people who never get the chance to be involved,” she says.

“So I’d have absolutely loved something like PruGOals when I was growing up. It gives kids from disadvantaged backgrounds the chance to take part in sports that they may never have thought about doing. It’s inspiring, it builds confidence, and it brings people together.”

Taking place this year from 28-30 July, the Prudential RideLondon weekend has grown to become one of Britain’s most important fundraising events — not to mention the largest festival of cycling in the world. The PruGOals campaign, a joint project between Prudential and the charity Teach First, is helping 260 sixth form students ride the London to Surrey 46-mile sportive as part of RideLondon.

Whether complete debutants to cycling, or more experienced riders, all the students will also be improving their health and fitness on the way.

“I’ll be riding with them, and they’re a fantastic group,” adds PruGOals ambassador Adams. “They’re already asking me all kinds of questions, such as how they can follow in my footsteps, what it’s like to win an Olympic gold — and whether their legs will hurt the next day!

Nicola with some of the students taking part in RideLondon

“I have told them yes, and my legs will probably hurt, too. But the most important thing is taking part. It’s about doing something new. Cycling is great for fitness, they’ll meet new people and make new friends, so it’s going to be a wonderful day.”

PruGOals and Teach First empower young people to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential, regardless of social or economic background. Find out more via #pruGOals on Twitter or visit prugoals.co.uk