With the 2015 Sportive season truly underway and with two of the big local events already having taken place, what I have seen from members interested in the Sportive scene is very encouraging!
Wiggle “No Excuses”
Firstly, we had the Wiggle “No Excuses” at Huntingdon Racecourse on a blustery Saturday morning on the 21 February. Personally, I always felt this one would be a struggle being set so early, and I was not wrong. No surprises then, when a large number of entrants did not make the event. However, we as a club turned up in droves – committee members, A group riders, the ones that treated their other halves and Newbies – you did yourselves proud!
The route was extremely muddy on the Long circuit as it headed north! The wind also seemed at its strongest while heading in this direction, although many riders felt the wind was swirling and hitting from every angle. Although I had to pull out of my ride 50 miles round (personal issue), the majority of club riders thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I volunteered for registration with UK Cycling Events; be warned if you do decide to help out on their events – you may end up like I did and spend two and half hours, marshalling the car park. Standing in a cold field is not ideal before an 80 plus mile ride! (Learnt my lesson there)
Richardson Rumble
Following months of windy weather, Graham Temple must have woken up on Sunday 22 March and could not believe his luck! It was almost perfect conditions for the event this year; after being drenched three times last year, it was great to see this beautiful route in its full glory and it does have some stunning views and you encounter some amazing roads. I will personally always cherish the view of Wansford (North of Peterborough), it looked breathtaking! Rockingham Hill was its usual stubborn climb, I personally managed to get up without any mishaps this year and found it relatively easier climb than I imagined it would be. To finish the event off in the Local Café, with a cuppa and egg on toast is a nice touch by Graham. In my opinion this is a better event than the Wiggle “No Excuses”, its less razzmatazz, but the route is far superior. Unfortunately it does not attract the Wiggle groupies that seem to tour with the UK cycling sportives every event! So numbers were not great; having heard comments from members of how the event was run in the past, I would say Graham nowadays puts a good classic sportive event on now! I for one will definitely be participating next year.
Future events
Notable future events that SICC members have expressed an interest:-
Wiggle Spring Saddle Sportive at Newmarket Racecourse on 19th April 2015
- Members of the C group, trying for their first century (Sharron Housden is helping them out)
Peterborough 100 at The Marriott Hotel, Peterborough PE2 6GB on 19th April 2015
NB: A message from the Event’s Organiser – Hello, I am hoping you can share this link to the Peterborough 100 with your members http://www.action.org.uk/peterborough-100 and offer them this discount code PET15 which will entitle them to 15% off the entry fee. The ride is for charity so each entrance fee will come directly to the charity and help change and save children’s lives. We have 3 distances available, so there is something for everyone. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me on 07954414216. Many thanks, Clara
ITP Events Dare2B Rutland Cicle Tour at Oakham on 25 April 2015
- Richard Neil, Mark Roberts, Bob Cooper are doing the Epic Century route
- ev and Netty Thompson are on the medium route
Kilo to Go “Tour of the Peak” at Bakewell on 17 May 2015
- Bob Cooper, Mark Roberts and myself take on the 115 mile, 11,000+ feet
Tour of Cambridgeshire, Peterborough on 7 June 2015
- Tom Caldwell’s big Gran Fondo “the one and only fully closed road event for the Non Professional cyclist!!”
Early Days on the Sportive Champion scene, but Mike Clover has already completed 4 events! Will also be interesting to hear about Andy Wylde’s encounters on the European scene on his return.
Dave Pope
