MAYOR of London Boris Johnson stopped off in Leatherhead on his way round the 100-mile course of the Prudential Ride100 yesterday.
Speaking at the support hub in Randalls Road, Leatherhead, he told the Advertiser the Mole Valley views he'd seen were "amazing", but admitted he wouldn't be repeating the climb up Leith Hill any time soon.
"The atmosphere is incredible," he said.
"Obviously it's inconvenient for some people because the roads are closed and I hope people don't mind too much but I do think it's worth it. I think it puts Surrey and the Surrey to London ride on the map as one of the world's great cycling events so that's very important."
Asked why he hadn't commandeered one of his famous Boris Bikes for the occasion, he said: "I mean they're brilliant machines but that would be slow. Getting on one of these after being on one of those is like getting into a Maserati. Those are meant for tough urban cycling."
When questioned whether he would be cycling Leith Hill again, he replied: "I've done it twice now and I think that may be enough to last me a lifetime" - but he described the views from the top as "amazing."
He continued: "Who would have thought Surrey could be so unbelievably beautiful and who would have though there was so much of Surrey? That's the thing that surprises me. I mean I never knew it was so big. I thought Surrey was mainly London but it turns out there's an awful lot of it. Absolutely amazing."
His praise for the area also extended to the residents he had met along his travels.
"I've met some very kindly people all the way through. It's been a very, very good atmosphere, a very friendly atmosphere," he said.
View a video of Mr Johnson's comments below:
