The inaugural Vélo South - a brand new 100 mile closed road sportive for the UK - was officially launched at the London Bike Show today by Rugby World Cup Winning Captain Martin Johnson CBE and British cycling icon and 1982 UCI World Road Race champion Mandy Jones.
Taking place on Sunday 23rd September 2018, Vélo South will take 15,000 riders of all ability levels on a truly unforgettable journey through the stunning West Sussex countryside, starting and finishing on the iconic Goodwood Motor Circuit and featuring the magnificent rolling hills of the South Downs National Park.
With around 1,700m of climbing, the Vélo South route is a relatively challenging one, but the beauty of the route, support from the locals and camaraderie with fellow riders will make for a truly unforgettable day of closed road riding.
The start and finish venue, the iconic Goodwood Motor Racing circuit, is steeped in motor racing history. But it also has credentials of the cycling kind, playing host to the 1982 World Road Race Championships; the last time the road world championships were held in Britain. The women's championship that year was won by Mandy Jones, who unveiled the event alongside Martin Johnson CBE at the London Bike Show.
Organised by CSM Active, Vélo South is the latest event in the Vélo Series, following the hugely successful inaugural Vélo Birmingham sportive in September 2017; Vélo Birmingham is returning in Spring 2019 with a brand new route.
Aside from Ride London, Vélo South is the only other opportunity to ride 100 miles on closed roads in the UK in 2018. With over 25,000 pre-registrations received to date, Vélo South is expected to sell out fast when entries open on Thursday March 1st. To be in with a chance of taking part prospective participants must pre-register.
Riders will also have the option of entering through one of Vélo South's Lead Charity Partners - Alzheimers Society, Age UK and the British Heart Foundation. There will also be a Vélo South Business 100 entry option which provides companies with the opportunity to enjoy a VIP participation experience coupled with exclusive training events and networking opportunities.
Today also saw the full route revealed. Starting from Goodwood in Chichester, the course heads northeast towards Pulborough and Henfield, before skirting south of Henfield and looping back west via Rowhook and Haslemere.
At the 80-mile mark the course turns south near Petersfield, where riders will tackle a KOM challenge with a Cat 4 ascent on the B2146 at South Harting. Judging by the Strava segment, this looks to be a short but tough climb of around 1.2km, with an average gradient of 7% hiding two steep ramps of 15-18%.
After the descent there's just one small climb before a flat run to the finish back at Goodwood. There will be six feed stations along the way, and riders will also get the chance to complete a lap of the race circuit at Goodwood in what promises to be a memorable day's cycling.
Vélo Series ambassador Martin Johnson CBE, who was present at the launch event at the London Bike Show, said: "As a cycling fanatic, it's hugely exciting to yet another 100 mile closed road sportive come to the UK. Having ridden the inaugural Vélo Birmingham, I know first-hand how exhilarating it is to ride on closed roads and I can't wait to be one of 15,000 riders lined up on Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit on September 23rd."
He added: "My advice to anyone who is tempted to enter but is doubting their ability to complete 100 miles would be to just take the plunge and go for it! I speak from experience when I say that with the right training it's an extremely achievable goal. Completing a century ride is a huge accomplishment and the feeling when you cross the finish line will be worth all the hard work."
Louise Goldsmith, Leader of West Sussex County Council, said: "We are delighted to be hosting Velo South in our wonderful county. West Sussex is a place of culture, heritage and beautiful countryside - the perfect setting to enjoy a day of closed road riding. We're looking forward to working with CSM Active to make the event a success and to introducing participants to the delights of our county."
Alister Linton-Crook, Cycling Officer for the South Downs National Park, said: "We're looking forward to welcoming the Vélo South visitors to the South Downs. They're going to have an amazing and unique experience enjoying the National Park's special landscapes traffic-free and having 15,000 people coming to stay is a great opportunity for local businesses. We hope that the event will be a real celebration."
Jon Ridgeon, Executive Chairman of organisers CSM Active, said: "Combining the magic of Goodwood with a stunning 100 mile closed road route through the West Sussex countryside, Vélo South promises to deliver a truly unforgettable day of riding for 15,000 riders. Vélo South wouldn't be possible without the support of our fantastic stakeholders and we are extremely thankful to them for helping make this fantastic event a reality."
For more information and to pre-register, visit: www.velosouth.com.
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