The launch edition of the Pearson Steeplechase sportive has been postponed and will now take place in April 2024, organisers have confirmed.

Originally set to take place this May, the new sportive - which offers riders a choice of 100km road or 60km gravel routes starting from Surrey's Box Hill - was initially put back to September to avoid clashing with coronation events.

It will now take place on Saturday 27 April 2024 instead, giving riders plenty of time to enter and look forward to what promises to be an interesting addition to the calendar.

"As the name suggests, the Pearson Steeplechase is inspired by the equine discipline of steeplechasing, a sport invented in Ireland in the 18th century," says Will of organisers Pearson Cycles.

"If you want to witness traditional steeplechasing these days, you'll need to visit a country point-to-point, the Cheltenham Festival or your local branch of William Hill. (Other bookmakers are available.)

"Alternatively, you could take part in the inaugural edition of the Pearson Steeplechase, which takes place in April 2024. Staged across the rolling Surrey countryside, the event offers two different courses on two types of terrain; gravel grinders can sign up to a 60km off-road ride, while road riders can opt for a 100km route on the hard stuff.

"According to experts (us), a good roadie and their gravel riding equivalent should complete their respective distances in roughly the same time."

Both courses pass numerous landmarks - you've guessed it, church steeples. And with a start venue on the hallowed slopes of Box Hill, it's a chance to pay homage to what was, until the recent rerouting of RideLondon into Essex, the southeast's most famous climb.

Entry is priced £50 which includes a woven patch for finishers, live music at event HQ, event photography, signage, GPX, chip timing, feed stations, mechanics - in short, all the sportive trimmings for a fantastic day's cycling.

Demo bikes from Pearson and Wahoo units will also be available on the day.

For more details and to enter, visit the event website at www.pearson1860.com.

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