Top Cyclosportives Now on the International Map

 

Source: Everyday Cycling

News Posted: 28 Jan 2008

 

Cyclosportive events in the UK are at an all-time high at the moment and six of the best have secured international recognition, being listed on the "Cycling for All" calendar of the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale).

 

In addition, the six have the backing and support of British Cycling, through its "Everyday Cycling" programme. This support includes event insurance, and, in some cases, use of the new and increasingly popular Everyday Cycling on-line entry system. There are also promotional listings and features on the www.everydaycycling.com and www.britishcycling.org.uk websites.

 

The six events in question are all exciting and challenging rides, each with a distinct flavour of its own:

 

30/03/2008 - Cheshire Cat:

Kilotogo's early season Cheshire Cat, though a recent addition to the calendar, has been quickly recognised for its high quality rider support, taking in the wonderful rolling terrain of Cheshire, the castles of Peckforton and Beeston, and the beastly Mow Cop 1 in 4 climb. 'The Cat' is just one of a whole series of UK-wide events from the Staffordshire based outfit, all of which will have you grinning from ear to ear. Distance: 59 or 97 miles

 

24/05/2008 - 26/05/2008 - Tour of Wessex:

You'll be in Hardy country but you won't be far from the madding crowd. This uber event takes the sportive concept to a whole new UK level. Using the same course as the Premier Calendar road race of the same name, riders can choose ride the whole 300 route of the race, just minutes after the pros, or can pick and mix, choosing which day to ride and soaking up the racing action in between. All set against stunning backdrops such as Glastonbury Tor, Cheddar Gorge, Exmoor National Park and the Jurassic Coast. Distance: 25 - 300 miles

 

08/06/2008 - Victor Ludorum Highclere Castle Sportive:

Britain by Bicycle's Victor Ludorum event starts and finishes in the genteel surroundings of Berkshire's Highclere Castle, and features some challenging and beautiful riding in between. Distance:43, 75 or 124 miles

 

14/06/2008 - Cyclone Challenge Rides 

Up in the north-east of England, the Cyclone forms part of weekend of cycling action which crosses over from sportive riding to competition. Sportive riders will be arriving in droves to catch the cut and thrust of city centre criterium racing on the day before and staying on after the sportive ride to watch the Premier Calendar road race on the Sunday. Distance: 31, 62 or 100 miles

 

15/06/2008 - Dragon Ride:

Snaking its fiery way over the mountains of South Wales, the Dragon culminates in the leg breaking climb of the Bwlch mountain road. The first UK event to hit the UCI calendar and a regular fixture on the international list for the last three years. Distance: 75 or 112 miles

 

21/06/2008 - Iron Mountain Sportive:

Back in South Wales, the Iron Mountain Sportive forms part of the long running Abergavenny Festival of Cycling, and takes riders through the stunning Monmouthshire scenery and up onto the wild and remote Brecon Beacons. Steely resolve or low gears required! Distance: 25, 50 or 100 miles

 

Andy Cook, Everyday Cycling Events Manager and UCI cyclosportive commission member is excited by the progress being made:

"It's hugely encouraging for everyone involved with these events that they have secured international recognition. Through our Everyday Cycling Programme, British Cycling is committed to supporting and growing the calendar of Cyclosportive events in this country.

 

"We have some very committed and ambitious organisers and we believe that our support package, including industry leading insurance and a highly cost-effective online entry system, provides the kind of underpinning which not only enables British Cyclosportives to challenge the best in the world, but also provides new organisers with the confidence to create and manage world-class events!"

 

For details of all leisure events, visit www.everydaycycling.com. 

 

The Rise and Rise of the Cyclosportive

 

Above: Sportives: Camaraderie and personal challenge

 

The last decade has seen a year on year increase in the number and geographical spread of these events, which pitch road riders, ranging from have-a-go types to would-be racers, against the UK's best, most scenic and most challenging routes. Cyclosportive riding is not about racing with your mates. It's about pitting yourself against distance, terrain and your own physical limits. It's about camaraderie, experiencing the challenge with your mates, meeting new people and sharing the experience.

 

Cyclosportive riding in the UK has its roots in two very different soils. One stem growing from the glamorous seeds of L'Etape du Tour, the Marmotte and other continental events, with another, earthier strand growing out of the UK staple of the Reliability Trial, usually a club-run event on a smaller scale, run early or late in the cycling season. These smaller, low key rides have grown in reputation, entry numbers and service standards while big blockbuster rides have come along to form, at present, the most comprehensive range of non-competitive event opportunities to be seen in the UK since the golden years of club cycling in the 1950s.

 

Above: Sportives are about pitting yourself against the terrain in some of the UK's best locations 

 

What has caused this massive increase in non-competitive road cycling? The rise of the weekend warrior? Greater disposable income? The Lance Armstrong factor? The re-emergence of the road bike, post Mountain Bike boom? Certainly many off-roaders are looking for something different to spice up their riding and trying their hand on the tarmac. Last year's visit of the Tour de France to UK shores, and the accompanying British Cyclosportive, which took riders along much of the London to Canterbury stage, has lifted the profile of sportive riding to new heights. 2008 has seen events such as Cumbria's Fred Whitton Challenge selling out in hours. The British Cyclosportive last year sold all of its 5000 places in less than 24 hours and was a massive spectacle on the roads of Kent, while this year, event organisers are extending their entry limits and support crews across the board to accommodate more and more eager riders.

So in 2008 the quality and scale of UK events is such that a number of them have gained a place on the UCI (International Cycling Union) calendar of 'Cycling for All' events.

 

But that's not to forget the host of other high quality events on the calendar from a raft of other organisers offering equally high standards of route marking, risk assessment and rider support. With the strength and depth of UK events at an all time high, it is only a matter of time before more UK events are to be found on the UCI calendar.