Dursley Road Club members are very active in taking part in Cyclo Sportives. Events in the UK are at an all-time high at the moment and six of the best have secured international recognition, being listed on the "Cycling for All" calendar of the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale). below is a list of some of the ones that members enter during the year.
- The Mad March Hare Sportive
This event is intended as a warm-up for the summer. A manageable 107km on flat and fast North Worcs roads, the route features the signature climb of Saintbury Hill which will test the best of climbers.
For further information http://www.madmarchharesportive.co.uk
Forest of Dean Spring Classic
The event is an excellent training opportunity for the May classics and the later continental etapes, but should your fitness let you down the route is never more than 20 miles from the Monmouth start and finish. The route design also offers newcomers the opportunity to try a "Classic Sportive" without too much pressure.
For further information http://www.forestofdeanspringclassic.co.uk
The Tour of Exmoor features some of the most stunning scenery in the UK with open upland Mooreland and sea views along the rugged north coast of Devon and Somerset. This event has over 4,000 meters of climbing so riders nee to be prepared.
For further information http://www.tourofexmoor.com
- Tour of the Black Mountains
The Black Mountains are an area of outstanding natural beauty with rivers, lakes and mountains in abundance. The challenging climbs are fantastic and all on virtually traffic free lanes. The longest route is 182 km (114 miles) in length and features 3,793 meters (12,393 ft) of climbing making this one the hardest sportives in the UK.
For further information http://www.touroftheblackmountains.com
The route takes in two classic UK category 1 climbs as used in the past on the Tour of Britain and the Milk Race. The ride winds its way along the former mining valleys of South Wales, (Ogmore, Rhondda, Swansea, Neath, Afan and Garw). The longer Gran Fondo route takes in a loop into the heart of the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park.
For further information http://www.dragonride.co.uk/index.php
Rated number one cyclosportive in 2007! The Autumn Epic starts in the small town of Knighton in the Welsh Marches, and takes you through the superb scenery and peaceful country lanes of the ancient county of Radnorshire. It comes at the latter end of the season, so should be the ideal opportunity for one last test of that precious summer fitness, and a great way to celebrate the season in style. Slickly organised, with well stocked food stops, clear signage and a friendly feel. Now in its fifth year the Epic has sold out well in advance every year, so enter early to secure a place!
For further information http://www.autumnepic.co.uk
International Cyclo Sportives
Dursley Road Club members are very active in taking part international Cyclo Sportives
Cyclo Sportives (sometimes spelled Cyclo Sportifs but correctly Cyclosportives, since the full name is randonnée cyclosportive and randonnée is a female noun in French) are long distance, organised, mass-participation cycling events typically held annually. Sportives are the cycling cousin of running’s marathon: as with the 26-mile event, rather than racing other participants, sportives see many cyclists use the event to challenge themselves in a personal battle against the distance and then ultimately, the clock.
A cyclosportive falls between a traditional road race and a non-competitive randonnée or Audax event. Riders normally carry a number and the time they take to complete the course is recorded. There is usually an upper time limit within which the course must be completed (unlike many randonnée events, there is no lower limit preventing riders from completing the course quickly). The already lengthy course will traditionally include climbs and difficult riding conditions, adding to the merit of the event (e.g. the cobblestones of the Paris-Roubaix).
The routes will usually be well sign-posted and/or marshalled (some cyclosportives take place on roads which have been closed to motor traffic for the duration of the event), riders will be able to use feeding stations positioned at intervals along the route to replenish their food and drink supplies and mechanical and medical support may also be provided.
