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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Martin Love

London Bike Show preview: ‘Two-wheeled temptation at every corner’

Grab some air: one of the riders in the Air to the Throne competition salutes the crowd
Grab some air: one of the riders in the Air to the Throne competition salutes the crowd

The London Bike Show
Entry £16
Date 25 February
Where ExCel London

For most of us mortals, staying upright on a bicycle is usually the horizon of our ambitions, with maybe the odd hands-free descent or nifty track stand at the lights completing our repertoire of tricks. But for some, bikes were invented to fly. For the third year running, the FMB World Tour is hosting the jaw-dropping ‘Air to The Throne’ competition at the London Bike Show, and the final is today at London’s Excel. The UK’s top rider, Matt Jones, will be battling it out against a world field.

If the aerial acrobatics are too much for you, keep your feet planted firmly on the ground and soak up the atmosphere at what has become the country’s leading cycle show. Hundreds of new bikes are on display, plus the latest in kit and accessories. All bike disciplines are represented, from kids to ebikes, track to trail. There is also a test area for you to have a go on frames that take your fancy.

The highpoint of the show are the free talks and Q&As from the world’s best cyclists. This year among the big names will be Chris Hoy, Philippa York, Chrissie Wellington, Lizzie Deignan and Joanna Rowsell Shand.

And beware: bike temptation awaits around every corner…

Natural fuel for the ride

Real bite: Veloforte energy bars
Real bite: Veloforte energy bars

Need a push on the bike? Made entirely from natural ingredients, such as nuts, dried fruits and berries, dates, unrefined sugar and honey and spices, these nutrition bars from Veloforte will give you a natural boost. Energy bars £6.99 for three, veloforte.cc

Email Martin at martin.love@observer.co.uk or follow him on Twitter @MartinLove166

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