What started out as a necessity for one Earlsfield man has quickly escalated beyond his wildest dreams as he prepares for the biggest cycling race in Britain for a generation.

Colby Guerra, who moved to London from California five years ago, only took up cycling a year ago as a means of commute, but is now getting ready for next week's Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100.

The race will see 20,000 riders tackle a 100-mile route that starts at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and finishes on The Mall, and 29-year-old Guerra cannot wait to take part.

"I am relatively new to cycling like this as I have always been more of a runner," he said.

"But the wear and tear on my knees meant I couldn’t really run any more so I took up cycling and fell in love with it and now I can be seen on Richmond Park whatever the weather.

"I saw the chance to do the first-ever RideLondon 100 and jumped at it and I am delighted to be a part of Team Prudential - I am really excited about it.

"Although I cycle a lot, doing 100 miles in any form of sport is a tough challenge but one that I am really looking forward to."

And Guerra is looking to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital, having battled back from a debilitating congenital deformity as a youngster.

"I was born with a concave chest and it was quite severe as it was pushing on my heart and affected by breathing and respiratory system," he added.

"I was lucky enough to have it sorted when I was 14 but I know a lot of young people won’t be as lucky as me so that is why I want to try and raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

"Every little helps and they do some amazing work with young children so even if I can raise a small amount I know it will go a long way."

Prudential RideLondon takes place on August 3 & 4. If you’re inspired to ride, visit prudentialridelondon.co.uk.