Now in its 3rd edition this extremely popular cycle sportive returns with an increased capacity due to selling out in previous years. The 2016 event retains the timed section on Hunter's Hill which will allow riders in both events to set a time and some minor enhancements to the 82 mile route to support a larger number of entrants.

The start/finish area on campus at Edge Hill University in Ormskirk will allow riders to make use of the excellent facilities at the new £25million sports centre at Edge Hill Sport.

The event has been designed in consultation with Harry Middleton Cycling Club and The Bicycle Lounge – both organisations will also provide an integral part of the event experience on the day. The event will take place using British Cycling 'Non-Competitive Event Guidelines and Best Practice' - available here. 

The incredibly scenic but testing 82 mile 'Roman Road Challenge' takes riders over Hunter's Hill, Rivington Reservoir, Foxholes, Matchmoor, past Belmont Village and out to Edgworth onto the infamous Roman Road for 6 undulating miles before returning past Tockholes, Brindle, Hillhouse Lane, Walton le Dale, Midge Hall, Croston and Mawdesley. The route has been designed to challenge the most experienced rider and offers over 4500ft of climbing and a maximum gradient of 13% but it will also accomodate riders with less experience due to the fact that much of the climbing takes place in the first 50 miles (see route profile below). This will allow either a very speedy final 30miles or a more leisurely ride back to the finish - dependant on how your legs feel after The Roman Road!

The 36 mile 'Croston Crusade' will follow the same route as the 'Challenge' out of Ormskirk and over Hunter's Hill but then at the 12.5 mile point the 'Crusaders' will head North towards the Eastern edge of Mawdesley/Croston Moss and into Croston then crossing over the River Yarrow, the River Douglas and the Leeds-Liverpool canal as riders head West and then South through Holmeswood and past Mere Sands Wood before travelling though Rufford and back onto the Moss but now on the opposite side. Then past Mawdesley and across Hoscar Moss to return to Edge Hill Sport via Blythe Lane, Castle Lane and Westhead. The route has been designed with the less experienced or younger rider in mind but it will still offer a challenging climb within the first 10miles and over 1100ft of climbing with a maximum gradient of just over 11%.

The club with the highest combined number of finishers across both routes will be presented with the - 'Harry Middleton Trophy'

The event will also include;

• Fully Signposted Routes
• Fully Equipped Race HQ
• Free custom designed drinks bottle for participants
• Free Parking at Start/Finish Area
• Free Changing Facilities & baggage storage
• Free refreshments at Finish Area
• On Route Feed stations incl free gels, energy bars
• Exhibitors and Cycling Expo at Start/Finish area
• Mechanical and Emergency Support including 'Broom Wagon'
• Electronic Timing
• Live results at Race HQ and online
• Individual Results via SMS text
• Emailed Rider Times

For training  tips and advice visit: www.britishcycling.org.uk/sportivetips

Info for Riders

Riders will be started in groups at regular intervals from 0800hrs to avoid congestion on the roads. Each route will see finishers graded into categories as below based upon time taken to complete the course (n.b. there will be a course cut off at 1630hrs which will see the 'Broom Wagon' collect any remaining riders that will not be clear of the course by this time, if however riders prefer to finish the course outside the event jurisdiction this is possible but be aware you may not receive a time due to the Start/Finish area also closing at 1630hrs); The Roman Road Challenge Emperor - less than 4h45m Centurion - 4h45m to 6hrs Gladiator - 6hrs+ The Croston Crusade Emperor - less than 2h30m Centurion - 2h30m to 3h15m Gladiator - 3h15m+