What exactly is a cyclosportive?

A cyclosportive or sportive or challenge ride or cycle leisure ride is a mass-participation bicycle event that combines elements of road bicycle racing and long distance bicycle touring. Many cyclosportive events attract a wide range of riders, from dedicated racing cyclists to leisure cyclists wanting a challenging ride, and allows them to test themselves over a race-proven route. For example, l'Etape du Tour is held annually in France and allows amateur cyclists to race over the same mountain roads used by professional riders in the Tour de France; the Gran Fondo Felice Gimondi uses roads near Bergamo that test riders in the Giro d'Italia. Some cyclosportives offer a choice of routes of different lengths or difficulty.

Although a cyclosportive is definitely not a cycle race, to define it you could say it falls between a traditional road race and a non-competitive randonn'e or Audax event. Riders sometimes carry a number and the time they take to complete the course is recorded, and there is sometimes an upper time limit within which the course must be completed (unlike many randonn'e events, there is no lower limit constraining riders from completing the course quickly). The routes will usually be well sign-posted and/or marshalled (some cyclosportives in Europe 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.

Some attract thousands of participants - since 2000 l'Etape du Tour has offered places to 8,500 riders each year. Leisure riding is by far the largest growth area in UK cycling right now.

The spirit of a KILO TO GO cyclosportive is to enjoy the freedom of the cycling challenge but in a safe and supported environment. We take great care when planning our routes to make maximum use of the quite lanes which cross-cross the British countryside. We also try to take you through well-known and lesser know beauty-sports. Recognising that not everyone always wants huge mountains on their cycling routes we balance this with a range of events and a number of route distance options.

How do I enter?

The on-line sign-up and entry process is similar to any reputable on-line purchasing process that you may already be comfortable with. KILO TO GO's systems are safe and secure. Details of entrants are kept secure on our information store. (we are registered with the Information Commissioner). We keep you informed of all news running up to the big day by email; but you should always check back at our website for news in the meantime. Normally, a week before the event we contact event participants by email with full details about the event to help you on the day. If you prefer you can still enter by filling in a traditional entry form and posting it to us. Entry forms are downloadable from here.

How does the day run?

The email we send to participants tells riders when and where to turn up. Riders need to sign-on and collect their number and a timing chip which fits to the bike. You can then set-off in one of the groups when you are ready. The departing group sizes will probably be between 20 and 50 riders.

Riders follow the route via our distinctive pink arrows at their own pace we supply full route instructions which you should bring along to support the arrows as a back-up. Depending on which distance you have entered there are a number of feedstations along the route at roughly 25 mile intervals. All routes have at least one feedstation. We have vehicles and safety motorcycle marshals out on the route for your added safety and support.

When you arrive back we greet you in recognition of your achievement. You can also see your individual time which we automatically record via our timing system.

Do I need to be fit?

Reasonably so - at KILO TO GO we think it's wise to approach the prospect of any challenge ride with some good preparation - do this and you'll enjoy your ride. For route options of around 40 miles a few rides under your belt of 20 or 30 miles leading up to the event are stuffiest preparation for most. For the longer options you needs to have some more substantial 'cycling fitness' but you don't have to be an Olympic athlete by any stretch of the imagination. To be cycling fit you should have some good base mileage in place. For example, if you would not normally call yourself a cyclist and want to ride a sportive, then a good few months foundation of weekly road mileages working up to 150 miles per week over two to three rides would be the minimum for the shorter option rides. If you have a good foundation of fitness in any other sport it is not likely to be of any great direct benefit for cycling - so four nights a week down the gym or playing squash will not help you too directly in your preparation for a 100 miles ride. There is simply no substitute for miles totalled up out on the bike. If you know that you are obese, or have any medical conditions, you should be wise to consult your doctor for health advice before taking part in a sportive.

Do I need a special bike?

A good lightweight road bike, in good condition, with a wide range of gears will be suitable. If you are thinking seriously about buying a modern bike specially for sportives then most specialist cycle dealers are able to advise. Expect to pay at least £600 for a serviceable entry level model. £1000 should get you a decent bike with carbon frame and Japanese or Italian branded components. These days, you do get a lot of 'bike for your buck'. Compact chainsets (50 teeth and 34 teeth chainwheels) are favored by many sportive riders; and with a 10-speed cassette (12 - 25 sprockets) you should enable you to get around just about any sportive - providing you are reasonably fit of course. Light but durable wheels and tyres make a huge difference to the amount effort required to get around - extra money spent here is a wise investment.

What should I carry?

Food, drink, spare clothing, multi-tool, spare inner tubes, some identification. Most sportives have stations providing (free) food and drink, but you should always have some extra energy food and isotonic drink with you at all times. The weather can change during the ride - if you have to stop for a puncture on an exposed hill-top you can rapidly cool down. The most common form of mechanical breakdown is a puncture, particularly if the weather is wet. Always carry your own identification with you. Extra money and a mobile phone are highly recommended.

What should I wear?

To ride a sportive in relative comfort and safety certain items are recommended. Firstly a high quality cycle helmet - this is a good investment because better models generally are lighter and provide better ventilation in hot weather - in addition to the obvious safety benefit. Correctly fitting cycling shorts of the 'bib' design are highly recommended to keep those delicate areas comfortable during your ride. Bib shorts also ensure your lower back, vulnerable to chilling even on warm days, is covered at all times. Cycling jerseys are made of hi-tech fabrics helping to keep your body dry and temperature regulated. A common mistake is to get a jersey which is too big. The fit should be snug so that full pockets rest on your back and not bounce on your bottom. Disregarding fashion, bright light colours are best as they are more visible and reflect the sun. Jerseys have rear pockets for those essential items to carry. Cycling shoes are highly recommended - you can't walk around in these and they clip directly in to your compatible pedal system. Keep this in mind if you realistically think you might need to walk up a hill or two in the route. Sun-glasses and lightweight cycling mitts make the ride more comfortable too. A lightweight windproof gillet is always handy and takes up little pocket space if you get too warm.

What if it rains?

Cyclists are a hardy breed - cyclosportives are not routinely cancelled due to bad weather. Fitted mudguards and overshoes make the ride much more bearable in such conditions. Punctures are more likely in the rain so carrying three inner tubes and a puncture kit is a good idea.

How do I follow the route?

Following the route and complying with the rules of the road are always the rider's responsibility in the UK. Organisers publish detailed route descriptions route cards for this purpose. In reality routes are usually well marked with direction signs from the moment you depart from the start area. Often there are riders around you or just ahead to follow. Increasingly, bike mounted GPS units are being used. Organisers like KILO TO GO are at the forefront of this technology and produce GPS (gpx) files for riders so that the route can be navigated on the day. Well before the big day this also enables riders to preview the route on digital mapping software at home on the PC. Although you should always carry some form of independent means by which to navigate the route, GPS units are affordable, reliable, easy to use and take the worry away about getting lost on unfamiliar territory because of a missing direction arrow.

Why is there an entry fee?

Cylosportive rides cost money to stage. Headquarter facilities, start/finish/timing systems, drink, food, signage on the route, first-aid facilities, public liability insurance, technical assistance and support absorb considerable funds. Some of the more established rides give (or claim to give!) an element of the revenue to their nominated charity which could be their own cycling club. The true cost can be even more than is sometimes apparent as some rides get money from local authorities and county councils who primarily receive their funding from the tax-paying public.

I'm hooked. Where can I find out more about sportives?

For a few years now one of the main hobby sites involved in UK cyclosportives is Cyclosport at www.cyclosport.org. At their web-site you can find out about most of the other UK cyclosportives rides as well as those organised by KILO TO GO. They also have information on continental rides. British Cycling, the UK governing body for most aspects of cycle racing, is also becoming very much more involved with the UK sportive scene at www.everydaycycling.com. The best events with international status are sanctioned by the UCI. There are only 6 in the UK with this accreditation level of which KILO TO GO's UCI Cheshire Cat cyclosportive is one such ride.