Entries to five of the UK's most popular sportives are now open for 2016. The Human Race Sportive Series features big hitters such as L'Etape London by le Tour de France, Chiltern 100 and the Dragon Ride, with entries will for the first time all be available from the same day, allowing riders to plan their perfect year and take advantage of multi-event packages.
Research carried out by organisers Human Race discovered that sportive cyclists will entter on average five events each year. This can lead to a big financial outlay, so Human Race have released a selection of new multi-event packages. The idea is to help cyclists pack their calendar with premium sportive challenges, while saving on the cost of individual entry fees to ensure maximum bang for your buck.
The Human Race Sportive Series includes five main events:
· Lionheart - Sunday 17 April
· Chiltern 100 - Sunday 15 May
· Dragon Ride - Sunday 5 June
· London Cycle Sportive - Sunday 26 June
· L'Etape London by le Tour de France - Sunday 25 September
Priority entry to Tour de Yorkshire
In addition, the first 300 riders who sign up for one of the Human Race Sportive Series Multi-Event Packages will be given priority entry into the 2016 Maserati Tour de Yorkshire Ride. The inaugural event earlier this year sold out in hours, with demand expected to exceed availability again when entries go on sale. The Maserati Tour de Yorkshire Ride takes place on the same weekend as the pro ride and shares much of the same route.
The series will allow riders to take on a huge range of iconic climbs, spectacular routes and professional experiences. These include famous climbs such as Devil's Elbow and Black Mountain on the Dragon Ride, the chance to speed round the Herne Hill Velodrome and the road track at the Lee Valley Velodrome, and test yourself on 21 hills during the Chiltern 100.
Lionheart to start
Lionheart is the perfect way to kick-start the sportive season, with beautiful but challenging routes around stunning Wiltshire. After starting at Longleat Safari Park, riders will have the opportunity pass lions and other wild animals before heading out on an exceptional route of 100km or 100 miles.
In just four years this ride has established itself as a firm favourite with cyclists, helped by its famous cheese and wine feed station halfway through, and is now also now the official preparation ride of the Dragon Ride.
Chiltern 100
The Chiltern 100 is the toughest sportive close to the capital, famously packing a leg-busting 21 hills into the 177km Gran Fondo with 2,700m of climbing. The event is based at the historic Bovingdon Airfield and organised in partnership with local experts Verulam Cycling Club, the original creators.
Enter the Dragon
Dragon Ride, hailed as the UK's most prestigious sportive, returns to breathe fire into cyclists' 2016 plans on 5th June. Riders will pick one of four fantastic routes and take on famous climbs such as Devil's Elbow, Black Mountain and Rhigos. The mammoth Dragon Devil distance (305km) is attempted by some hardy souls, but the Gran Fondo (230km) and Medio Fondo (153km) remain the choice of most.
Brand new for 2016 is the Macmillan 100, a new 100km route that takes in a couple of the signature climbs, perfect for those attempting to slay the beast for the first time.
London Cycle Sportive
The London Cycle Sportive is a firm favourite of the Human Race Sportive calendar, and finishes with a timed lap of the newly refurbished 1948 Olympic Velodrome at Herne Hill.
Three distances are on offer which give riders of all abilities the opportunity to take part, with the medium and long routes heading up the now legendary Box Hill. Perfectly located for sportive riders based in the capital, as it's only 20 minutes from London Victoria.
L'Etape London
Organised alongside ASO, L'Etape London by le Tour de France brings the glamour of the world's most famous cycling event to the capital. The route takes in much of Stage Three of the 2014 Tour de France route and culminates spectacularly with a lap of honour around the Lee Valley VeloPark at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, home of the London 2012 Games. After selling out in 2015 it is sure to be popular again in 2016.
Places in all events will be available on a first come, first served basis exclusively through www.humanrace.co.uk/cycling. Don't miss the chance to secure your place in some of the UK's most prestigious and challenging sportives.
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