The Southern Sportive - a classic ride for September!

The Southern Sportive - a classic ride for September!

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Event: 9 September 2012
Location: Churchers College, Ramshill, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU31 4AS


Whatever the weather, it’s proving hard not to be inspired by this remarkable sporting summer! What better way to channel that inspiration than to get out and ride, and what better event than the Southern Sportive - a ride that will inspire you all over again! We take a look at the routes on offer for this established southern favourite!

Full (Classic) Route (155km) The Classic Southern Sportive is simply one of the best Sportive courses in the country. Created in 2006, this is the ride that defined the South Downs as a sportive heartland.The event starts in the main courtyard of Churchers College on the edge of Petersfield, and delivers you quickly onto the South Downs to take on three major ascents of the Downs' northern escarpment as you wind your way eastward. The return leg tracks south of the Downs ridge, but big climbs over Goodwood and Old Winchester Hill still stand between you and the finish.At 155km and with 2,500m of climbing, this ride deserves it's classic tag. The course winds over the exquisite South Downs, mixing classic downland climbs with flowing country lanes, passing through idyllic English villages and opening up to breath-taking views. Cycling Weekly have dubbed this amongst the best courses in the country.

Wilier Gauntlet (192km) First introduced in 2011, the Wilier Gauntlet turns the Classic Southern Sportive into one of the nations toughest rides. The Gauntlet itself forms a 37km extension to the main Classic loop, cranking your kilometre count for the day to a whopping 192, with 3,000 metres of climbing to tackle! You will have all of the Classic routes big climbs heavy in your legs by the time you hit the Gauntlet section of the course. Carving northwards over into the beautiful Meon Valley, you will drop away and climb onto the Winchester Downs, before returning over the knuckles of the Gauntlet; a rapid series of sharp climbs and drops that will really test what you have left in the tank.

Mid Route (112km) A magnificent middleweight ride, the mid route option cuts off the western tip of the full course to bring the challenge down to a still healthy 112km. The heart of the course is still there for you, with the days best climbs and views on offer to complete a memorable day.

Short Route (71km) An accessible 71km around the eastern half of the full routes, this short ride opens up the Southern Sportive to all comers. If you're new to cycling, this is a worthy challenge, and even if you're a bit more experienced it's an excellent ride. we'd rate the scenery around Old Winchester Hill as one of the standouts of a generally beautiful course, and the short route concentrates your efforts right in that stunnning landscape!

The event team draw on over 20 years of experience to bring you the best ride experience you can get. Superb route marking keeps on track, with top level on the course support and feed stations along the way. Instant rider timing gives you feedback on your ride as you relax with free refreshments at the finish. You'll get a free high quality finishers t shirt too, sporting this years striking "Britannic" design, in celebration of a magnificent year!

Go to southernsportive.com for full details and event entry.