Location: Newent Sports Centre, Gloucestershire
Event: 3 June 2012

Looking for a challenge incorporating classic views of the Malvern Hills? Then this new Malvern Views Sportive is for you. The 100km of quiet scenic country roads with 1440 metres of climbing takes you through the Three Counties of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

The route winds its way from Newent to Staunton, then on to the first of six major climbs at Hollybush over the Malvern Hills before descending down to the village of Eastnor passing the historic Eastnor Castle. A short distance later will then take riders on the toughest climb of the circuit, Evendine Lane, with a gradient of up to 1:6 to reach the highest point of the route at 271m.

From there, the route passes through the picturesque villages of Mathon, Cradley and Suckley, through the meandering way to the well-stocked feed station in Alfrick Village.

After your energy levels at the feed station, riders face the sharp but short climb of Crews Hill, followed shortly after by the much longer climb up to Acton Green where the views from the top are spectacular. A much more relaxing long descent before climbing Snailbank, 1:6 at its steepest, follows before the final ascent is to the village of Wellington Heath just outside the Historic Market town of Ledbury. From here it’s just 12 miles of quiet roads back to the finish at Newent.

Headquarters/Start/Finish

• Newent Sports Centre, Watery Lane, Newent, Gloucestershire, GL18 1QF.
• Shower and changing facilities at the HQ.
• Start 8.30-9.30am.
• Mechanical support will be available for any last minute tweaks to bikes.