Much-loved cyclist and Olympic medallist Sir Bradley Wiggins has been talking ahead of RideLondon this weekend.

More than 50,000 people took part in the amateur cycling event in 2014, and this year is set to be even bigger.

Sir Bradley Wiggins has confirmed that he will be racing for the second time in the RideLondon-Surrey Classic event, which sees cyclists pedalling over 200km through central London, west London and Surrey.

Prudential RideLondon conducted a Q&A session with the Olympic Champion ahead of the RideLondon-Surrey Classic race, and here's what he had to say:

You've mentioned in the past that the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic is a special race. How did you feel when you made your debut at the race last year?

"It was great coming back to race on the streets in London. It holds so many memories from 2012. When I think back to coming down The Mall, going completely flat out to win an Olympic gold medal just a few days after winning the Tour de France, the crowd yelling at me and the sheer excitement of the day, it's really quite overwhelming."

What are your favourite parts of the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic route, and why?

"Box Hill stands outs. We did eight laps of it in 2012 and I remember the crowd lining the road and urging me on. I've still got every inch of it mapped out in my mind. Hampton Court is a great place for me too."

Team Wiggins is sure to attract enormous support this weekend. What does that support, and the growth of cycling in the UK in general, mean to you?

"I’m happy to see more people going about their business on bikes; it's a good thing. Cycling's open to all, anyone can do it, and it's good for you.

"Our Wiggins team has had a brilliant response racing around the country, people can see we're a bit different and the sheer spectacle of us all riding through London will be amazing."

What is it like taking part in Prudential RideLondon in front of British crowds?

"For me, it's like a reminder of everything that’s great about our sport. I'm looking forward to just being a part of it and to getting my fitness back up. I've had some time off after breaking the One Hour Record and my main focus now is the Rio Olympics in 2016.

"Prudential RideLondon is a big moment for Wiggins as a team. We've got some serious young talent in the shape of Owain Doull and Chris Lawless. Chris is just 19, and finished sixth last week in Belgium riding against Philippe Gilbert and Tom Boonen. It was a fantastic achievement. He was the only British rider to finish the race and is in great form, so keep an eye on him."

What advice would you give to the 25,000+ amateur riders tackling the route through London and the Surrey Hills on Sunday morning before the Classic?

"Ride responsibly, look after yourself and have a great day."

The London Marathon Charitable Trust, part-funded by Prudential RideLondon, has just made a grant to Herne Hill Velodrome, where you raced as a teenager. Do you see a bright future for track cycling in the UK, and how important are grants like these to ensure young people get into cycling?

"It's important that local community initiatives like Herne Hill Velodrome receive support. It's a great track and credit must go to all the volunteers and the cyclists from south London who've worked to keep it open.

"These types of facilities are essential for helping to develop a strong cycling culture here in London."

Check out our guide to what's going on and when at this year's event so you can plan what to watch!