The Cycle Show opens to the public on Friday at London’s Earls Court.

The annual event will host hundreds of bike manufacturers and clothing brands, showcasing the latest gear ahead of the 2010/11 season.

Italian sprint legend Mario Cipollini, winner of 42 stages of the Giro d’Italia, 12 Tour de France stages and 3 Vuelta victories, will open the show at 10am on Friday, with Thursday set aside as a trade day.

The 2002 world road race champion retired in 2005 before establishing his own brand of carbon bikes and clothing.  

Sean Kelly, one of the finest classics riders of all time and four-time winner of the Tour de France points jersey, will be at the show on Friday, along with Rebecca Romero, Rob Hayles, Chris Newton and Rob Penn.

Cyclo-cross rider Helen Wyman will be in London on Saturday, while double Paralympic champion Jody Cundy will be at the show on Sunday.

Tickets are still available through the Cycle Show website.