Updated: British Cyclosportive Event Report 

News Posted: 1 July 2007

Today saw the British Cyclosportive take over 4000 riders through wind, rain and sun on an epic 120 miles across Kent. Riders on machines ranging from recumbents through tandems and full suss mountainbikes to full on race bikes all braved the dramatically changeable weather.

The event got underway at 6:00 with a sea of riders queueing up for the staggered start. Wave upon wave of riders filtered out of the leafy surroundings of Greenwich Park, through the East London suburbs and out into the Kent countryside.
 

World Track Champion Vicky Pendleton officially started the event and followed the route in the Cyclefilm convertible . Cyclefilms are producing a commemorative DVD of the event. Celebrity cyclists Geoff Thomas and the irrepressible Ian Wright rubbed shoulders with us mere mortals. There were banana coloured HPVs, blokes dressed as Centurians and French onion sellers, as well as a few thousand more run of the mill folk.

Riders crossing the line in Canterbury all commented on a how much they enjoyed the day and the opportunity to test their mettle on what is essentially a real Tour de France stage. Riding out of London from Greenwich park will be a once in a lifetime experience that these riders will not forget, and riders finished on exactly the same finish line as the professionals will next week during the Tour de France.

We'd like to thank the towns and villages along the route for their cooperation and patience on the day, particularly the people of Adlington, who provided delicious homemade food at one of the latter feed stations, compensating for problems delivering the food and drink to the last two stations, after the trucks were delayed by a serious motor accident on the A21. There were a few incidents, with one rider falling and breaking a leg, and a few more minor injuries, all of which were dealt with promptly by the St. Johns Ambulance service.

To relive the memories all over again go to Everyday Cycling now.