Just 72 hours after the ballot opened, enthusiastic cyclists have filled more than 50,000 ballot places for the 2015 Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100.

The rain that soaked participants at this year's event on Sunday, August 10, clearly failed to put off cycling fans.

The 100-mile route through the capital and into the Surrey Hills, has already drawn 30,000 more cyclists than those that took part in this month's ride.

Event director Hugh Brasher said: "This fantastic response underlines the popularity of the world's greatest festival of cycling."

The ballot opened August 18 and will run until January 5, or until 100,000 registrations have been received.