Hampton cycling starlet Anthony Anderson believes the Prudential RideLondon Youth Grand Prix can be the perfect springboard for future cycling success, writes Marios Papaloizou.

The Youth Grand Prix forms part of a busy weekend of cycling next weekend – including the Prudential RideLondon FreeCycle, Surrey 100, Handcycle Classic and 10th Brompton World Championship – that will see some of the world’s best riders take to the streets of London.

The 16-year-old is one of the country’s bright young talents and is joined by a host of other young stars to contest the 2km circuit around St James’ Park.

And Anderson says he is relishing the chance to cycle in front of huge crowds, around closed roads in the capital.

“I can’t wait to race, it’s a big date in the calendar for me and one I’ve been looking forward to for a long time,” he said.

“I’ve done big races before and this one is right up there, it makes such a difference having a huge crowd.

“These are the things that help prepare you for life as a professional cyclist.

“The goal is to try and get the win for the team and whether it’s me who crosses first or someone else, the goal is to help the team.”

RideLondon attracts some of the world’s best cyclists with Sir Bradley Wiggins and Laura Trott both set to take part.

And Anderson admits the chance to ride the same circuit as some of his cycling heroes is a dream come true.

“The fact there is going to be some of the best cyclists around at RideLondon is brilliant,” he added.

“It is the kind of race that we all want to be cycling in and the big races with the big crowds are great at preparing us for the future.”

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