Nestling between the Cotswolds and the Berkshire Downs, Faringdon, Oxfordshire provides the perfect setting for the Le Tour de Farcycles (TdF) (formally called the Farcycle Faringdon Sportive (FFS)). TdF 2019 takes place on Saturday 27^th July.

With flat bits between some impressive hills, our environment creates opportunities for most levels of cyclists to enjoy and, if desired, extend themselves. We also provide hospitality that has been acclaimed by all who have taken part in previous events. Depending upon which ride you choose, there are up to 4 food stops manned by friendly locals and serving delicious homemade fare.

There are three British Cycling graded rides to choose from:

• The Gentle Challenge – 35 miles of rolling Cotswold countryside that is just enough to stretch someone looking for a first event. It is also the choice for regular cyclists to have a social meander through some of the region’s prettiest villages. The route is also perfect for families who would like to enjoy a day cycling together.
• The Full Monty – 70 miles taking in some hillier terrain that will stretch regular cyclists with a big hill or two, while still enjoying the archetypal Cotswold scenery.
• The Epic Test – 100 miles that starts off in the Berkshire Downs and travels alongside some of the fabled Lambourn racehorse gallops … most atmospheric if you find yourself in the morning light pacing yourself with these magnificent steeds. This ride joins the Full Monty for the last 70 miles and is the perfect route for those looking for a challenging, rewarding day out.

Everyone gets lunch at the end in a private courtyard so that they can share experiences. Staggered start times are designed to get the leaders of all three rides to the finish time at roughly the same time, which means some of that sharing can take place in during the finishing stages of cycling.

The event has become popular among cyclists of all abilities and is particularly enjoyed by families and younger cyclists, who are encouraged to take part.

The routes are signposted with our unique pink TdF signs. Broom wagons will be on hand but, happily, haven’t been too taxed in previous years. Sportive riders are accustomed to mending their own punctures. GPS files are provided to all entrants with their welcome packs a few days before the event.

All proceeds go to building sustainable, healthy and inclusive transport facilities in our region.

The event has received plenty of positive feedback every year since its inception in 2013. Perhaps the greatest accolade is that the same people keep coming back. Indeed, after the 2014 event, which suffered from unseasonably monsoon-like weather, many participants said they’d enjoyed the route in the rain so much that they were dying to come back again to see it in better weather!

These days much of the feedback goes direct to the event’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FFSportive but here is a taste of a few old school accolades:

 “I have done a lot of sportives over many years and this was the best”

“Thank you very much for a fantastically well organised event.  Everything about it was brilliant! … Here’s to next year!”

Hilary, an out-of-town contestant, who wrote: “I just wanted to say thank you.  It is the first time that I have done a cycle ride, and I really enjoyed it.  Beautiful countryside, despite the weather!  The work that goes into organising anything like this is huge and I can't tell you how much I appreciated the delicious cakes at the stop and the pasta at the end.  I look forward to next year.”

The popularity of the TdF’s routes stems from the fact that they are chosen from our back yard favourites that we, the Farcycles (pronounced Farcicals), cycle frequently. Of course, we are most fortunate that our back yard takes in the incomparable Downland and Cotswold scenery, not to mention the hills.

Ride Tdf Epic Test 100 (18 and above)

Ride Tdf Full Monty 70 (16 and above)

Ride TdF Gentle Challenge 35 (12 - 16)

Ride TdF Gentle Challenge 35 (17 and above)

Info for Riders

Uniquely sited on the edge of both the Cotswolds and the Berkshire Downs, the historic Oxfordshire market town of Faringdon is perfectly placed to host the varied challenges and stunning scenery of the Le Tour de Farcycles (TdF) to be held on Saturday July 27^th, 2019. This popular event, which was formally called the Farcycle Faringdon Sportive, has sold out in previous years, and has  received a reputation for its hospitality and food. It offers 100, 70 and 35 mile options. The routes were substantially changed for 2015 and have been refined over the last few years, following feedback from the previous events.

The start is close to several of Faringdon's central car parks and there are other facilities around the town. More details of these will be supplied in the joining pack sent to all participants 

To encourage young riders we have concessions for all under 16 riders and a free entry for smaller people on trailer bikes. All riders under 18 need to bring a completed parental consent form, and all under 16 riders will need the form and to be riding with an adult en-route. Please email the event organiser for a parental consent form.

Please note that the following age limits apply to each of our three routes:

The Epic Test (100 miles): riders must be aged 18 or over to enter.

The Full Monty (70 miles): riders must be aged 16 or over.

Under 18's must complete a parental consent form to ride. Please download a form from our website or contact us for one.

The Gentle Challege (35 miles): riders must be aged 12 or over. 

Under 18's must complete a parental consent form to ride. Please download a form from our website or contact us for one.

Under 16's must be accompanied by an adult throughout the ride.