This will be our second year running the Sharon Laws Sportive, celebrating the 43 years of Sharon's amazing life and the sport she loved so much. The event will be held on 6th July.

The main route is 43 miles long honouring every year of Sharon's short life. There is the option to double loop part of the tribute route extending the ride to 70 mile route, or a short 14 mile loop for our younger cyclists. At the end of the Sportive, those wanting a few extra miles can take on an additional loop (not part of the Sportive) and complete an epic 80m or 88m ride through the Cotswolds.

Sharon Laws was an ex-student at the Cotswold School who went on to become a professional cyclist, racing for some of the biggest teams in women’s cycling and riding for GB in the 2008 olympics.

Sharon sadly passed away on December 2017 after losing her fight against cancer. Her fellow GB team cyclists described her as "one of the most beloved riders in the peloton, and her loss was felt deeply. Laws was an incredibly caring, humble and inspirational woman who lived life to the fullest."

Proceeds from the event will go to Kate's Home Nursing and a new build sports pavilion that will be dedicated to improving the physical and mental health of young people in our community.

Short Route 14.3 miles
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27221293

Tribute Medium Route 43 miles
https://www.strava.com/activities/1562222729

Long Route 76 miles
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27221080

Additional Route after the Sportive 37 miles
https://www.bikemap.net/en/r/4744716/

Additional Route after the Sportive 45 miles
https://www.bikemap.net/en/r/4744732/

Info for Riders

The main routes will be the same as last year, all fully route marked and with a feed station:

The main route will be the 43 miles (70km) through beautiful country roads in the Cotswolds, celebrating the life of Sharon and the roads she regularly rode out on.

As with last year, there is an option to loop around a section of the 43 mile ride bringing the total length of the ride to c 76 miles.

There will also be a shorter loop of just over 14 miles so that the event can be enjoyed by families. 

In addition to the routes above, this year, at the end of the Sportive routes, riders can leave the event and complete a different route of either 37 or 45 miles. These routes will not be route marked and there will not be a feed station. However, the route will go past numerous pubs and coffee shops and take in the killer Saintbury hill. This means riders can enjoy a challenging 43+37=80 mile route or an epic 43+45=88 mile route. The ride will still end at the Cotswold School where there will be tea and cake waiting! 

Any riders under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All participants under the age of 18 must submit a consent form completed by their parent / guardian. All riders under 18 only pay £5 regardless of the route they choose to complete. Please enter the short ride and just let the registration team know on the day that you will do a longer route. 

Tribute cycling jerseys designed especially to remember Sharon are available to buy:

Mens: 

https://www.cycle-clothing.co.uk/sharon-laws-sportive-mens-club-cut-short-sleeve-cycling-jersey-2850-p.asp

 Womens: 

https://www.cycle-clothing.co.uk/sharon-laws-sportive-ladies-club-cut-short-sleeve-cycling-jersey-2859-p.asp

All riders that enter on-line will be entered into a draw to win a Sharon Laws cycling jersey.

Please note, we will not be chip timing the event this year, as most riders will have their own garmin or similar device.

For non-riders, there are plenty of things to do and see in the village of Bourton on the Water, all within walking distance of the school. There is also free parking on the school site.