Rise Above, the official sportive of Mark Cavendish, will return this summer with three new and exciting routes around Cheltenham and the Cotswolds Area of Natural Beauty.
Taking place on Sunday 5 August, the third edition of the 30-time Tour de France stage winner's sportive will provide a challenging test for all riders, similar to those challenges professional riders face every time they race.
Over 3,500 cyclists took part in the two previous events, the last of which was held in Chester and North Wales in 2016 before taking a break for 2017.
Cavendish will once again be the official starter of the sportive, before taking to the roads to complete one of the rides that he has helped create.
The three circular routes on offer are:
Enthusiast - 50 kilometres with 697m elevation gain
Purist - 105km with 1,388m of elevation gain
Extremist - 153km with 1,845m of elevation gain
Speaking about the event Mark Cavendish said, "I'm very excited to announce the return of my Rise Above Sportive. We have been working on the return of the event for some time and I am looking forward to taking the sportive to the beautiful roads of the Cotswolds.
"The parcours we've chosen for all three routes will be really special and testing for any level of rider so there is a great opportunity for people of all abilities to take part and join me. I hope to see you there after the Tour de France."
This year's Rise Above Sportive starts and finishes at Cheltenham Racecourse, one of the world's most famous horse racing venues. All three routes will tackle the arduous Cleeve Hill, which featured in last year's OVO Energy Tour of Britain race, and features sections that reach a 25 per cent gradient.
Riders who sign up for the two longer distances will also test themselves on the energy-sapping Snowshill climb, a three-kilometre ascent that gradually increases in severity, which will be a part of the OVO Energy Women's Tour in June, as well as having previously featured in the men's Tour.
Places for the 2018 Rise Above Sportive are on sale now at the Rise Above Sportive website.
Entries cost £45, with British Cycling members enjoying a 20% discount on entry until the end of June, while previous entrants to the sportive have also received a 20% off discount to welcome them back.
For full details and to book your place, visit www.riseabovesportive.com.
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