>>>Cycling Weekly's full 2012 cycle sportive calendar
No Fuss Events
Not known for the road going events, No Fuss is reaching out into the Sportive scene with the introduction of two new rides in 2012. Buachille sportive and the Lord of the Lochs Sportive will join a number of events that No Fuss events promotes, which include 10 Under the Ben and the Macavalanche. No Fuss Sportives will be working along side Chain Reaction Cycles and Vitus as part of the waited Vitus Sportive Series during 2012.
Web: www.nofussevents.co.uk
HotChillee
The makers of the popular London-Paris and Alpine Challenge bike ride have now opened its doors to a new one-day event in the UK. The Hotchillee Sportive will be on Sunday March 25, starting in Dorking at the bottom of the infamous Box Hill. The event, which holds 300 places is being used as a London-Paris and Alpine Challenge training ride, but is open to everyone. The route takes you over both the North and South Downs before heading back past the famous Goodwood race circuit.
Web: www.hotchillee.com
The West Riding Classic Sportif
A full day of enjoyment is to be had at the sportive held in the beautiful Clapham, North Yorkshire, not South London! Three routes set in the hills and valleys of Yorkshire Dales taking in the National Parks. Organisers say they are very intimate with the local area and have packed this ride with great roads with there extensive knowledge. Afterwards you can enjoy an evening in the New Inn Hotel, which the Rough Riders have hired for the event especially.
Web: www.roughridersportif.com
Wiggle Cheshire Cat
The popular early season event has now reached its limit of 3,000 riders and has now closed entries. Kilo To Go have said don't despair if you have missed this event, they have five more during 2012 for riders to enjoy. Check their website for more details.
Web: www.kilotogo.com
Tour of the Roaches Cyclo-Sportive
Said to be a classic sportive, organised by Xtra Mile that are established organisers of many cycling related events. Taking place on Sunday May 20 the three routes takes in beautiful countryside and will be supplying homemade cakes and pies.
Web: www.xtramileevents.com
Santini Costwold Spring Classic
Get your entry in quick for forthcoming Cotswold Classic, which takes place Easter Monday. Places are filling up fast with only 30 of the 750 spaces remaining. Due to the popular demand no entry on the day will be available, so hurry up, entries closing soon.
Web: www.cotswoldspringclassic.co.uk
Spotlight on..... Etape Du Dales
Yorkshire Dales offer an abundance of rural roads, some of which are not for the faint hearted. The Etape Du Dales comes with a small warning "Please do not treat your entry lightly". The 112mile route through the dales offer riders a difficult ride with steeps hills and rewarding technical descents.
Climbs come thick and fast and within the first 29km the Fleet Moss climb brings you up to the highest point of the ride at 589m. Two thirds of the way in you hit the second highest peak at 537m, Coal road, leaving you with two more lumps to contend with before the finish. Certainly a day out with all riders hitting under 7 hours will be awarded a gold medal time.
Entries have opened all ready and close on Thursday May 17 and with 1000 entries maximum be sure to enter soon. Entry fee will be at £40 with two free tickets to the Dave Rayner dinner going to the to two riders with the most raised money through sponsorship.
Further Details at www.etapedudales.co.uk
Upcoming events
Sunday April 1: Essex Roads Spring Lames Sportive - Essex
Sunday April 1: The Joker - Wilkshire
Saturday April 12: Route 66 - Shropshire
Sunday April 22: The Big and the Little Dipper Sportive - Henley on Thames
