Chris Boardman will open and ride the Wiltshire Wildcat Sportive on March 10. The former time trial world champion, Tour de France stage winner and Olympic cycling legend will be on hand at one of the most beautiful sportives in England.
This new sportive based at Salisbury Racecourse in Wiltshire criss-crosses the medieval Drovers Trails, Saxon villages of Wiltshire and North Dorset.
The constant views over the Downs are simply stunning. Are the routes challenging? Oh yes, to get to the views, you have to climb to the top of the Downs, so after a winter of turbo training, this Sportive will get you back in the zone.
The route from the racecourse drops down to follow the River Ebble which runs parallel to the Ox Drovers trail, through iconic Saxon Villages until Long Bottom, where the toughest climb crosses the Drovers Trail up onto Ashmore Down.
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On the top of Ashmore Down you will have stunning views of Sheppards Bottom and Mebury Wood. Then onto Fontwell Magna and the River Stour Valley which takes you through fabulous country side and villages, until Sutton Waldron, where another demanding climb brings you to the top of Sutton Hill.
Smugglers lane connects you to the old Roman Road and an interesting section through the "Tarrants" until you arrive at 'the Cliff'. A sharp hairpin bend starts the climb along Garston Down, and further along to Woodminton Down, past old Hill Forts, until the route drops sharply away over the Ox Drovers Trail back down to the River Ebble.
The final section is completed by the final climb home, back to the Racecourse, so... don't forget to leave some energy for this final assault!
The finish will be a welcome sight, where the riders will receive a quality goody bag and a well-deserved medal! Post event refreshments and massages will also be waiting.
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