Amersham’s Charles Page insists he know has a window into professional cycling as he took second place at this year’s Prudential RideLondon Youth Grand Prix.

Now in its third year Prudential RideLondon is a two-day festival of cycling that sees thousands of riders take to the streets of the capital, as well as some of the biggest names in the sport.

Page was selected to ride for the Central Region for Saturday’s Youth Grand Prix and just came up short in a sprint to the line on The Mall – West Midlands’ Jake Stewart taking top spot.

But the Edgware Cycling Club ace says the result is one of the highlights of his career and hopes it can propel him onto the professional circuit.

“It was one of those races where you can't really hold a position because the bunch was just like a washing machine,” 16-year-old Page said.

“The positions were constantly changing so it was a case of staying in it and positioning yourself well for the sprint and getting the job done.

“Coming into the last lap I was sitting quite far back but because it is quite a fast circuit there is a twisty bit which slows people down and I was able to get a few places and get in position for that last straight before the sprint.

“Then it was a case of rushing the rider in front of me and trying to get past but I didn't quite manage.

“It's really important for me because I am coming to the end of my youth career as a cyclist and I am going into junior next year.

“So something like this is a great experience and something I can boost myself with and is invaluable as rider.

“This kind of race is a window into professional racing, it's totally different to anything else because there is the crowds, the support and you are riding as a team as well.”

Earlier in the evening Page had watched the likes of Olympic champion Laura Trott and Dani King take to the same course to contest the annual Grand Prix.

And the teenager says it was honour to be able to race the same loop as some of his cycling heroes.

“Prudential RideLondon is great because the crowds make it an ineffable experience and it is awe inspiring because there are thousands of people lining the street which you don't get anywhere else,” he added.

“To ride on the same course as some of the big names in the sport is just incredible.”

Prudential RideLondon is the world’s largest festival of cycling. Prudential is proud to support people’s ambitions. Visit www.pru.co.uk/ambitions