Couple's wedding day to clash with cycling event

A married couple-to-be have had to factor in the unusual scenario of more than 100 cyclists whirring past the church on their big day.

Maria Penaloza, 34, and Max Stechman, 35, will tie the knot in Terling, near Hatfield Peverel, Essex, on 25 May.

But the occasion falls in the middle of a three-day RideLondon event, which sees cyclists race through Essex, London and parts of Hertfordshire.

"I did say to my other half, if I’m late going into the church, it’s not because I'm not coming, I'm just waiting to cross the road," Ms Penaloza said.

The couple were introduced to each other six years ago and have been planning their wedding for more than a year.

• Listen: RideLondon won't puncture Essex wedding

Ms Penaloza said they were both "surprised and started laughing" when they realised they would have to warn their 200 guests about three road closures due to be enforced near to the church.

The roads would be shut to allow for stage two of the RideLondon Classique, where cyclists are to race three laps around the Essex countryside.

"As much as you can plan for lots of other things, there will be something that always crops up," she told BBC Essex.

"There will be a few road closures and we’ve told our guests to expect some so hopefully it should be all good."

Maria, who is a keen amateur cyclist, added: "Hopefully we’ll get to see some of the cycling at some point as well."

RideLondon's engagement manager for Essex, Chris Davey, said organisers had engaged with 25 couples whose weddings were impacted by the event.

He was praised by Ms Penaloza, who said he had been "amazing" at navigating the clash of dates.

Mr Davey said: "This is the third year [of the races] so we’re a lot more practiced, we know the intricacies.

"We’re honing what we do each time so hopefully the experience gets better each year."

A spokesman for the event added that work had been done to ensure everyone made it to the church on time.

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