Six essentials to take with you on RideLondon

Here are our top tips for what to take with you to RideLondon, all of which can be carried in a saddle bag and/or your jersey pockets - no need to hinder your enjoyment by trying to carry a backpack.

Spare inner tubes

Flat tyres are a fact of life, so be prepared by carrying at least one spare tube. You will be able to buy tubes en route, but you don’t want to have to walk to the next feed station if you do get a flat.

>>> How to fix a puncture (video)

It’s worth taking a second spare just in case, or at least a puncture repair kit so that you can get yourself going again.

Tyre levers

If you do get a flat, you’ll need to get the tyre off the wheel so a set of tyre levers is essential. They’re cheap and weigh next to nothing.

A pump

Last of the three essentials to fix a flat, a mini pump will get enough air into your tyre to get you top the next feed station, where you can use an industrial strength track pump to get back up to full pressure again.

>>> Buyer’s guide: the best cycle mini pumps

A water bottle

With warm temperatures and a lot of hills to get up, something to drink is essential, even if you can replenish at the feed stations.

Most bikes can take two bottle cages, so fit both and ensure you're carrying enough to stay hydrated.

Sunscreen

Make sure you don’t get sunburn or sunstroke on the ride by applying plenty of sunscreen before you start out.

>>> Hot weather cycling tips

The forecast is looking to be sunny in part on ride day, so make sure you are protected and can reapply sunscreen later in the ride when your initial application might be becoming ineffective.

Food

Riding 100 miles means that you need to be well fed before you start out - and you may have a long gap between breakfast and actually getting going - and you need to keep fed during the ride to keep your energy levels up.

>>> Watch: how to fuel for your sportive

Make user that you have enough energy products, gels, flapjacks or jam sandwiches to keep you going, just in case you find that a feed station has run out before you get there - it can seem a long way to the next one if you've missed out on a snack.

Above all have fun and make sure that you keep well hydrated and fed, to avoid the dreaded bonk!