Following a complete sell-out in 2014 the Chiltern 100 cycle sportive returns to the roads of Buckinghamshire on Sunday 31 May. Dubbed by riders as 'the toughest sportive close to the capital', the Gran Fondo route features a leg-wrenching 21 climbs over 110 miles. The ride starts and finishes at a specially created event village at Bovingdon Airfield.
The Chiltern 100 was founded by the Verulam Cycling Club (VCC) who work closely with current organisers Human Race to plan the annual sportive that attracts 2500 riders. Thanks to Human Race's donation to the VCC funds from the Chiltern 100 are being pumped back into grass roots cycling in the area.
2015 will see the first youth riders taking part in sessions hosted by Verulam Cycling Club designed to encourage and educate the next generation of cyclists. These will be held in locations such as the Welwyn Velodrome, one of the best facilities available in the local area. Young riders will be given the opportunity to experience both track and secure off-road cycling over six sessions during the summer holidays.
Demand has already seen initial sessions fill up with club members, but the club hope to expand this further in 2016 thanks to the Human Race funds. This full launch plans to offer sessions to the wider community, encouraging more young people from Buckinghamshire and the surrounding areas to get on their bikes and riding safely.
"Inspiring the next generation of cyclists was always part of the plan when we became partners on the Chiltern 100," said Human Race CEO Nick Rusling.
"We are delighted that Verulam Cycling Club are using funds from this spectacular sportive on these valuable projects. It is vital we are encouraging the next generation to get involved to ensure the continued success of the sport."
"It's long been our desire to help give young people who show an interest in cycling a helping hand," said Doug Driscoll from Verulam Cycling Club.
"The injection of money from Human Race will ensure that our ambitions can become reality. It's an exciting time and we are looking forward to revealing more details in the future."
Riders on the Gran Fondo route will be asked to complete an audacious 2700 metres of climbing through beautiful countryside with spectacular views. The Medio Fondo route is approximately 76 miles, which follows much of the Gran Fondo before a split allows riders to take a more direct route back home.
Final places are available for the Chiltern 100 on Sunday 31 May. Secure yours now through www.humanrace.co.uk/cycling before the closing date of Monday 25 May.
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