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Lycra-clad “weekend warriors” are deterring new cyclists from the sport, according to world record-breaking long distance rider Mark Beaumont.

Those who take cycling too seriously and think that it is all about competition can be intimidating, especially for women, said Mr Beaumont, who is also a broadcaster and adventurer.

The 32-year-old said more needed to be done to persuade people that cycling could be “just a bit of fun” and was not a sport dominated by so-called Mamils (middle-aged men in Lycra).

His comments came as thousands prepared to watch some of the world’s top riders compete in the final leg of the Tour of Britain in central London on Sunday.

Mr Beaumont, who has just completed a trip from Cairo to Cape Town in 41 days and 10 hours, said he hoped Londoners would be inspired to give cycling a go by seeing the likes of Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish in the flesh. Mr Beaumont, who lives in Scotland, said: “Cycling clubs have their place. If you want to be a pro cyclist and be spotted then that’s great. But people who are new to cycling tend to think the sport is all about competition and wearing Lycra and taking it all very seriously.

“People, and I think especially women, are intimidated by these Lycra-clad weekend warriors. I know I was and I came to cycling through a different route. I want to help people realise it’s not just about that — that cycling can be just a bit of fun and can be part of your lifestyle.”

Mr Beaumont is also an ambassador of Ride Social — British Cycling’s push to get more people on bikes. It aims to form groups of similar-ability cyclists for fun rides. Some 2,000 Londoners have joined the project since April — 44 per cent of whom are women. Up to 62 per cent of those who joined in London are now cycling weekly.

Of his involvement with Ride Social, he said: “Of course, having the Wiggins and Cavendish in the city will inspire people to get on their bikes — but there also needs to be practical information about how people can actually get involved. And that’s what Ride Social is doing.” David Bourque, British Cycling’s marketing communications manager, said: “We are hoping Londoners will watch the Tour of Britain on Sunday then want to get involved.”

For more information go to goskyride.com/social and tourofbritain.co.uk.