If all goes to plan, severe COVID restrictions may become a thing of the past after 21 June when the Government has announced that restrictions should be lifted. With this in mind, and in the knowledge that events can start to take place before this with social distancing in place, we took a look at the sportive market and had a look at some events you may want to start training for in 2021. It’s fair to say, that it’s going to be a bumper September!
The Tour of Cambridgeshire
Taking place on 24-26 September 2021, it’s highly likely to go ahead unless something goes really wrong with the lockdown easing. The Tour of Cambridgeshire is a whole weekend of cycling events to choose from. With road races, gran fondo, time trials, team time trials and family rides all in the offering, you can make a weekend of it and take the family for some camping too. What’s more, the events are closed roads and UCI sanctioned making it an amazing cycling weekend festival.
What’s more, you can use this event to qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships if you finish in the top 20% of your age category in either the TT or the Road Race.
If you’re interested in this event, watch this space as we will have some places up for grabs in the coming weeks.
Etape Caledonia
In the stunning Scottish highlands, the Etape Caledonia traditionally hosts more than 35,000 cyclists each year. Also playing it safe, this year’s event will be taking place on Sunday 19 September 2021 with a restricted 5,000 places, with some still up for grabs, don’t delay as we’re pretty sure they’ll be snapped up pretty quickly. You can choose from 40 or 85-mile routes on closed roads taking in breathtaking lochs and some stunning climbs including the punchy Mt Schiehallion at 1,085m.
The London Revolution
This event is not for the faint-hearted with a full 360 degrees loop around London, covering 155 miles. The good news is, however, that you can do it in various forms – from the hardcore who’d like the challenge of the full 155 miles in one day, to those who’d prefer to break it up over two days, or just take part in half of the loop. There’s something for everyone. And again like many events nowadays, you can make a full weekend of it with camping or event luxury glamping yurts to stay in at the halfway point.
The Fred Whitton Challenge
Ok, we know this one is already sold out…but another one which has transferred places to September (really is going to be a busy one this year!) however the website does state that they could be releasing some more places in the summer, so if it’s still on the bucket list, it could be your year still.
The Sportive was set up in memory of the racing secretary for local club Lakes Road Club, Fred Whitton, who sadly died of cancer in 1998. Since then it has developed a reputation as being one of the hardest rides in the UK and, much more importantly, raised millions of pounds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
There is no short or easy option for the Fred Whitton. The ride is ‘only’ 112 miles, but covers a relentless series of climbs around the Lake District National Park with a few 30% climbs in there to really test your legs!
The lands end 100
If you don’t want a big-budget event but you want something hardcore, then the Lands End 100 could be just the ticket. Taking place on 19 October 2021 and the longest event is just £22. You can choose from 46, 71 or 104 miles but you’ll definitely need to bring your climbing legs as the 104 miler boasts 2,200m of climbing. And knowing the Cornish hills, that going to be up and down all day with no substantial climbs. So, if you’re looking for something to train for that won’t break the banks, and you can tag on a few days holiday in Cornwall after, look no further!
You can take part in sportives using the Yellow Jersey Performance or Ultimate bicycle insurance policies.