Here’s some straightforward JavaScript code for adding these maps to an OpenLayers-powered site.
Over the years the layer definitions in OpenLayers have, thankfully, become easier and easier. The following code needs a minimum of OpenLayers v2.8 or greater.
var map = new OpenLayers.Map("map");
var l = new OpenLayers.Layer.OSM("OpenCycleMap",
['https://tile.thunderforest.com/cycle/${z}/${x}/${y}.png?apikey=<insert-your-apikey-here>']
);
map.addLayer(l);
Or, with parallel tile loading:
var map = new OpenLayers.Map("map");
var l = new OpenLayers.Layer.OSM("OpenCycleMap",
['https://a.tile.thunderforest.com/cycle/${z}/${x}/${y}.png?apikey=<insert-your-apikey-here>',
'https://b.tile.thunderforest.com/cycle/${z}/${x}/${y}.png?apikey=<insert-your-apikey-here>',
'https://c.tile.thunderforest.com/cycle/${z}/${x}/${y}.png?apikey=<insert-your-apikey-here>'
]
);
map.addLayer(l);