Event: 5 May 2013
Location: Monmouth, Monmouthshire
Report: Wheels in Wheels Events

Wheels in Wheels Events Ltd, organisers of sportives in the UK and Mallorca, are pleased to announce an additional new 62mile route for the Forest of Dean Classic sportive from Monmouth on Sunday 5th May 2013.

2013 sees the ninth running of the Forest of Dean Classic sportive from the Monmouth Show grounds on the edge of the town on Sunday 5th May. Along with the traditional hilly 90 mile course through the Monmouthshire countryside, there is also now a shorter 62 mile route which takes in most of the traditional course and several iconic climbs including the infamous Symonds Yat near the finish.

The Forest of Dean Classic has traditionally been a hilly 90 mile route through the beautiful Forest of Dean with 20 individual climbs counted down over the length of the course. The climbing starts right from the off and sets the tone for the day as the course takes in over 8000ft of climbing on the route. Several iconic climbs feature including Broadwell and Bulls Hill but the real sting in the tail is the 25% grind of Symonds Yat which comes less than 10 miles from the finish and is thankfully the last climb of the day before a fast descent to the finish.

The addition of a 62 mile route has come about due to requests from riders wanting a testing day out but without the long distance. The shorter route takes in most of the traditional route but with a much more forgiving eight climbs instead of 20. The iconic climb of Symonds Yat is still in there though so you’ll have plenty to talk about at the finish. With over 6600 ft of climbing on this route it’s still a tough day out so don’t be fooled by the shorter distance.

The HQ at the New Monmouth Show grounds provides plenty of free parking as well as on site camping which must be pre booked with the organisers beforehand.

Both routes will be fully signposted; have well stocked feed stations on each course including Clif Bar energy products and savoury snacks on the second feed, full mechanical back up en route as well as the start/finish, and a broom wagon should all else fail. Free tea and coffee will be available before the start as well as a snack after for all finishers.

For more details and to book please visit the Wheels in Wheels Events website at www.wheelsinwheels.com