Filipinos can virtually participate in the annual Prudential RideLondon

You won't have to fly all the way to the UK to join the annual Prudential RideLondon this year.

Filipinos can now participate in the annual bike festival as Pru Life UK launches its inaugural virtual version this weekend.

According to a press statement, the event begins on August 15 and because of a yellow weather warning in the south of London, it's been extended all the way to next Sunday, August 23 London time (Manila is seven hours ahead).

Whether you're a professional or a recreational cyclist, you are welcome to register at your chosen event on the website, and then track their ride and virtual position using the app. 

The MyPrudential RideLondon is free and open to everyone, regardless of ages and cycling abilities, and even location: participants can be anywhere in the country.

There are various distances to choose from, all based on the usual RideLondon routes.

According to the press release, there are four courses available: 100 miles, 46 miles, 19 miles, and FreeCycle."

Participants in the 100-mile challenge "can follow their own route while simultaneously seeing where they would be on the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 course had they been in the Big Smoke.

"From the start at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to the finish on The Mall, every part of the route in London will be shown on the app," it added.

The app for this virtual ride will also enable participants to match their ride to the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 19 or Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 46 routes.

In case you don't have a bike but want to participate in the event, check out FreeCycle. It's open to anyone with self-propelled wheels — "a push scooter, a wheelchair, a skateboard, trike, balance bike, e-bike or roller skates."

The Freecycle  option "allows cyclists to travel any distance from one kilometer and follow their progress on the virtual FreeCycle route that showcases some of London’s most famous landmarks."

After finishing their own respective rides, successful participants will receive a digital certificate showing the route and ride time they competed.

— Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News