Bournville Hilly Classic

The Bournville Classic is the latest addition to the Cycle Classics series of cycle events modelled on the one-day Classics - the inspiration this time being what is the oldest cycle race in the world - Liege-Bastogne-Liege, first held in 1892. The distinctive feature of that race is a series of a dozen steep climbs through the Belgian Ardennes Forest (home of the Formula 1 'Spa' circuit). The Bournville Classic follows a similar pattern with a relentless series of sixteen tough climbs, one after the other. practically right from the start. These climbs are typically 1-2km in length, with gradients up to 17%. Of equal importance to the climbs in defining the character of the event are the ten long, broad, sweeping descents (typically around -4%). These descents have been carefully selected so that they can be pedalled down hard in top gear without needing to brake. The Bournville Classic is 68 miles long with 6000ft of climbing.

The event starts and finishes at the 19th-Century Cadbury Factory in Bournville, Birmingham. Chocolate will feature at the feed stations.