Meet the riders: Mike Thornton, Knight Frank

Knight Frank Partner Mike Thornton is returning to Cycle to MIPIM for his fifth outing since his first in 2013. Not only the driving force behind Knight Frank’s support for the ride, he is also a prodigious fundraiser, and brings words of wisdom from years of experience for new riders. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you’re working on right now: 

I'm a Partner in the Knight Frank Property and Asset Management team. I am 51 and live with my wife and two daughters (10 and 14) in Surrey.

I’m currently working on a number of existing mandates in Central London as well as new business opportunities. Existing mandates range from management of 3 Mills Studios in East London (where we currently film anything from Masterchef to Ru Paul’s Drag race) to Sellar’s latest development at Paddington Square. There are lots of opportunities in the market at the moment so follow me on LinkedIn to find out more. 

How did you get involved in Cycle to MIPIM?

I first got involved with Cycle to MIPIM whilst working for Broadgate Estates (British Land) in 2013. They were headline sponsors then and I was asked to make up a team. 

How long have you been cycling and how did you get into it?

I’ve always ridden a bike from an early age. I was brought up in the age where you were kicked out of the house at the weekend and told to be back before dark. I had a Striker, a Grifter and a Raleigh Burner. My brother got the Raleigh Chopper and BMX with Mag Wheels (he’s the favourite).

For serious cycling, it was Cycle to MIPIM in 2013 that got me into endurance riding. I bought a Pinnacle Evaporite II from Evans on the Cycle to Work Scheme in 2012 and started training for the March 2013 ride.

What did you most enjoy about the times you have ridden Cycle to MIPIM previously?

I’ve previously taken part in Cycle to MIPIM in 2013, 2018, 2022 and 2024. While it previously took me a few years to reconsider going again, I am returning again after 2024 because my colleague Robin Stevenson ducked out. It was his turn to take the reins / handlebars, but we did a practice ride and I think his PTSD returned.

What I have enjoyed most about the times I have ridden previously is the camaraderie and lifetime friendships that are formed bonding in Lycra over hours in the saddle.

What are you most looking forward to?

Some warm weather without wind and rain. I’ve never experienced it on these rides.

What are you dreading?

Not getting the weather. Injury potential is a concern. Since 2013, I’ve had a hip replacement and broken a few ribs. I’ve also witnessed a couple of nasty crashes on the tour so am hoping everyone joining has their wits about them.

What does fundraising mean to you? And any top tips for those looking to hit their target?

Primarily we are doing this for charity. And on the way you meet like minded individuals from the property industry that you make life long friends with. Having raised over £15k historically for the charity, my top tip is to get Bronze sponsorship. It’s a win win for you and the company that gets to be associated with such an amazing event.

Any top tips for new riders?

Be organised. Having fresh kit laid out, lights and phone charged the night before will pay dividends. Also have a couple of porridge pots in your bag so if you’re running late for that first leg, you can get something down your neck in your room rather than a bun fight at the hotel breakfast buffet at 530am.

What changes does your business expect to see over the next year?

The City investment market is back! After record low turnover in the City over the last couple of years, and with only 5 x transactions over £100m in the City in 2024 (seven in the West End), the last fortnight has finally seen some major activity: could we now be turning the corner? 

The team are delighted to have acted on behalf of British Land and GIC in bringing in a 50% joint venture partner on 2 Finsbury Avenue, a landmark City development with a GDV of £1.45bn. In addition to this, we acted on behalf of the private buyer of 1 Portsoken Street, and finally we recently put the sale of 70 Chancery Lane under offer.Chancery Lane followed another competitive bidding process before Christmas on 20 Manchester Square, finally demonstrating a depth of market for larger core assets once again.

Finally, activity is not restricted to the City. We have recently launched the flagship West End sale of 11-12 Hanover Square, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to buy a top quality West End garden square asset in very close proximity to the Bond Street Elizabeth line entrance.

You can sponsor Mike and the Knight Frank team here.