Kingston’s David Aboim admits the lure of a traffic-free London was too good to pass up as he prepares to take part in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 on August 2.

The Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 is a 100-mile ride through the closed roads of the capital and the stunning Surrey countryside that finishes on The Mall.

The event is part of an annual two-day festival of cycling celebrating the legacy of the 2012 Olympic Games.

Having missed out on a place in the ballot, David won a competition to be part of Team Pru, and will relish his first distance race on a bike.

“I’m an athletic guy, but I’ve never participated in a big event like this before,” he said, “I love cycling, but have never done a big distance like this on a bike, so for me I want to prove that I can do it.

“I grew up always riding bikes and I can still remember the sensation of balancing on two wheels for the first time.

“The fact it is a similar route to the Olympic road race is another thing, and to be able to conquer that course would be brilliant.”

And, having lived with Sarcoidosis (autoimmune disease) since 2010, the software tester insists just being able to finish the race is good enough for him.

He added: “Ever since my diagnosis I’ve been on medication, and so the illness doesn’t hinder me at all.

“I can go to the gym three or four times a week and do all the things I want to do, but getting to take part in Prudential RideLondon is another thing I can tick off my list.

“I want to show I can still do anything that I wanted to, and that the disease does not hinder me so I can live my way.”

Prudential RideLondon takes place on 1-2 August 2015. Prudential is proud to support people’s ambitions. Visit pru.co.uk