Judging by plenty of big talk at last week?s social do, it?s clear that a lot of ACCers are up for some sportive action next season. To that end, below is a more up-to-date list of the major UK events/dates/contacts than was run in last week?s Cycling Weekly. All the big rides now have confirmed dates.
Entries for most events will be going on line early in the new year so don?t panic at this stage if there?s no link to an entry form on some of the host websites. On some you can register for e-mail updates informing you of when entries become available and I strongly advise you to do so as all indicators are that this year?s bigger events will be sell-outs quite quickly. The Polka Dot and Wessex rides are already accepting entries.
You?ll notice a big gap in the calendar in July/August. That?s because the BCF haven?t yet deigned to inform us what their Sportive plans for 2006 are but you can be pretty sure they?ll be putting a few bigger events on at around this time. Watch this space.
We?re currently compiling a list of recommended European Sportives and Gran Fondos at the moment and I?ll let you have a copy as soon as it?s available.
For next year I?d like to set up some kind of information exchange for riders going to sportives by car. In 2005 if five people from Addiscombe attended a ride then there were invariably five cars with a single person in each, travelling to the event. I?m sure we can come up with a better arrangement if everyone makes it clear in advance which rides they?ve entered and are driving too. Cheaper and more convenient all round. Again, watch this space. - Huw
2006 UK SPORTIVE CALENDAR
7th May 2006
Fred Whitton Challenge
Lake District
http://www.fredwhittonchallenge.org.uk
21st May 2006
Etape Du Dales
Yorkshire Dales
http://www.etapedudales.co.uk
27th - 29th May 2006
Tour of wessex
Devon/Cornwall borders
3 day event can be ridden as a whole or individual days only
http://www.pendragon-cc.com/tourofwessex.html
4th June 2006
Polka Dot Challenge
Peak District
http://www.polkadotchallenge.co.uk
11th June 2006
Wicklow 200
Ireland
http://www.wicklow200.ie
18th June
Tour of the Cotswolds
Oxford
http://www.circuitofthecotswolds.org
25th June 2006
Dragon Ride
South Wales
http://www.dragonride.co.uk
3rd September 2006
Spud Riley Gran Fondo
Peak District
http://www.polkadotchallenge.co.uk
10th September
Trans Cambrian challenge
Mid Wales
http://www.clivepowell-mtb.co.uk
8th October 2006
Autumn Epic ? Mid Wales
http://www.cyclosportives.co.uk