'I didn't call Boris a fat b******', insists cyclist branded 'Gollum' by London Mayor during gruelling 100-mile RideLondon event

The London Mayor claimed that Bob Carter, 52, teased him as he struggled to climb Leith Hill in Surrey

A cyclist accused of hurling abuse at Boris Johnson during the 100-mile RideLondon event yesterday has denied calling the Mayor of London a "fat b*****d" after Mr Johnson wrote a tirade about the incident in a newspaper column. (PA)

A cyclist accused of hurling abuse at Boris Johnson during the 100-mile RideLondon event yesterday has denied calling the Mayor of London a "fat b*****d" after Mr Johnson wrote a tirade about the incident in a newspaper column.

The London Mayor claimed that Bob Carter, 52, teased him as he struggled to climb Leith Hill in Surrey on the challenging 100-mile course writing: "Out of the corner of my eye I saw someone imitating me – pedalling alongside and puffing with satirical glee.

"He was one of those Gollum-like creatures whose Lycra appeared to be shrink-wrapped about his spindly form." Mr Johnson continues: "'Garn, Boris,' he cackled, 'put your back into it, you fat b------.'"

This afternoon, however, Mr Carter told the London Evening Standard that although he had launched a "volley of abuse" at Mr Johnson, he had merely been trying to urge him on as he looked so “sickly”.

Mr Carter told the Standard: "Hell would have to freeze over before I voted for him but fair play to him he completed the ride, which was very tough.

"I was giving him a bit of abuse and I think he thought I called him “a fat b******” but I didn’t. In Norwich we are far too polite for that.

“As for Gollum, he is a cheeky so and so saying that, I have never heard that one before.”

“I am glad he finished and if he wants to get fitter he is welcome to join us in Norwich on Sunday for our club ride.”

Over 70,000 cyclists took place in the unprecedented celebration of cycling over the weekend which saw them ride east through London before tackling the Surrey Hills.