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King of the Downs set for May 2010

Posted: 22nd December 2009 | Source: Evans' Cycles

The South East's Super Sportive returns for another year!

Photo credit: www.sportivephoto.com

The news sportive riders have been waiting for (or avoiding) is here: the King of the Downs Super Sportive is back for 2010, taking place on Sunday 23rd of May. Organised by Evans Cycles Ride It!, the event takes on 113 miles and 10 major climbs - entries are now open for what some call the hardest sportive in the South East.

The King of the Downs Super Sportive has been created for those looking for an extra challenge over and above the usual Ride it! sportives that Evans Cycles hosts. Covering 113 miles this sportive will be a true test for man and machine; testing riders' prowess on the racing bike, while pushing their road cycling strength and endurance to the limit.

For those looking for a shorter distance challenge there is a 56 mile half sportive option. Just like all Ride It! events the King of the Downs route is fully marked out with free OS memory maps given to all participants.

Route information

The 113 mile challenge takes in over 10 killer climbs in the South East's iconic road cycling areas totaling over 9,000ft!: the North Downs, the Surrey Hills, Ashdown Forest and the hills scattered through East Surrey & Kent. The route is split into two loops (Western and Eastern).

The first, the 56 mile Western Loop heads North West from the event centre (Evans Cycles Gatwick) straight into the Surrey Hills before tackling the North Downs. Climbing 4,800ft this loop forms the half sportive distance and takes in 5 major climbs, the biggest of which being the legendary Box Hill. For riders undertaking the full sportive, you'll skirt back past the event centre dropping off the half sportive riders and continuing onto the 57 mile Eastern Loop. From here the route heads south east into the Ashdown forest before tracking north to the North Downs - it's here that you'll tackle two of the toughest hill climbs including the famous Yorks Hill. The Eastern Loop climbs 4,200ft and takes you back to that eagerly awaited finish line (and goodie bag) at Evans Cycles Gatwick.

How to enter

Online pre-entry is the only way to enter for this event; this guarantees your spot for the race, which is limited to the first 1,000 riders.

Entry Cost: £25

Event Website