*Cancelled* Rutland Border Epique

*After first being rescheduled from the original date of 31 May, the Rutland Epique has now been cancelled because of coronavirus. The next edition will take place on Sunday 23 May 2021.*

Take on our fully supported challenge on the best roads Rutland has to offer.

A quick ride from the event parking takes you along the shore of Rutland Water and past the historic Normanton Church to the start at the Waterside Café on the South Shore of Rutland Water. The feeds on this event are catered, with hot food and a free beer at the end of the ride, so all you have to think about is riding.

The café will be open so you can get a good coffee to start you off on the right foot. 

Once you’ve started your ride you’ll soon find yourself on quiet yet challenging terrain. Rutland is full of punchy climbs that come thick and fast, so there is always something to think about. No long, dull, flat sections here. 

After some early hills the long route heads north to the first feed after 30 miles and then on to the Vale of Belvoir, which is renowned for its climbs and panoramic views. 

Climb out of the Vale on Harby hill, with a gain of 338ft on 1.6 miles, and head south towards the locally renowned cycling café at Wymondham Windmill (no event feed there unless you choose to stop).

The snappy climbs continue until the second feed at Owston. Be warned! – some of the toughest climbs on the whole route are after this feed. The 11% climb out of Launde Abbey, the tough road to Belton in Rutland and the climb toward Hallaton are renowned broom wagon hot spots for the unsuspecting or unprepared.

Hallaton to Medbourne gives you a break from the hills, with a long steady decent giving you the chance to turn a bigger gear and up the average speed until the hills start again at Neville Holt and the picturesque Eyebrook Reservoir. 

The last 10 miles is a bit steadier, with all of the toughest climbs out of the way leaving you to enjoy the scenery as you head back to Rutland Water to eat, drink, relax and talk about your ride on the shore of the water. 

Anglian Water will charge entrants to this event £3 PER CAR for parking at Sykes Lane, Empingham LE15 8QL (2.3 miles from HQ). The normal day parking rate is £8. You will need to pay CASH ONLY on entry. Please consider car sharing to reduce this cost.  There is no parking at Normanton HQ car park this year.