Full mechanical support is available on the route

Medal to all finishers

Drinks and snacks on route and at the finish

Chip timing

Sparsholt College, Westley Lane, Sparsholt, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 2NF

By Car

• From the South via M3

  Exit M3 at Junction 11 (A3090 – signposted ‘Winchester S & W’) and go straight over the 1st roundabout. At the 2nd roundabout, take the 2nd exit on to Badger Farm Road (signposted ‘Olivers Battery A3090). Continue up hill and go straight over the 1st roundabout. At the 2nd roundabout, take the 2nd exit on to Romsey Road (signposted ‘City Centre’) then go through 2 sets of traffic lights.

  At the mini-roundabout, take the 1st exit on to Chilbolton Avenue (signposted ‘Stockbridge – Salisbury A30). Continue on this road for approximately 2.5 miles (ignoring signs to the Village of Sparsholt). Turn left at the Sparsholt College Hampshire/Wessex Centre sign. Continue up the lane for approximately 0.5 miles, turning right on to campus.

• From London via M3

  Exit M3 at Junction 9 (A272 – signposted ‘Winchester’) and take the 4th exit at the roundabout (signposted ‘Newbury (A34) – Stockbridge’). Proceed for approximately 3 miles in the left hand lane and take the 1st exit (signposted ‘Salisbury A30’). At the Three Maids Hill roundabout, take the 2nd exit (signposted ‘Winchester B3420’) and continue downhill past Army Training Regiment Camp.

  Take the next right turn (signposted ‘Harestock’) in to Harestock Road and proceed for approximately 1 mile to the T-junction. Turn right (signposted ‘Stockbridge’) and proceed for approximately 2 miles (ignoring signs to the Village of Sparsholt). Turn left at the Sparsholt College Hampshire/Wessex Centre sign. Continue up the lane for approximately 0.5 miles, turning right on to campus.

• From the Midlands and North via A34

  From the Midlands and North via A34

  Leave A34 at exit for Winchester (B3420) and go straight over the mini roundabout. Continue over the bridge to the Three Maids Hill roundabout and take the 2nd exit (signposted ‘Winchester B3420). Continue downhill past Army Training Regiment Camp then take the next right turn (signposted ‘Harestock’) in to Harestock Road and proceed for approximately 1 mile to the T-junction.

  Turn right (signposted ‘Stockbridge’) and proceed for approximately 2 miles (ignoring signs to the Village of Sparsholt). Turn left at the Sparsholt College Hampshire/Wessex Centre sign. Continue up the lane for approximately 0.5 miles, turning right on to campus.

• From the East via A31 or A272

  Join the M3 southbound at Junction 10 then exit M3 at Junction 11 (signposted ‘Winchester’). At the bottom of the slip road, turn right at the traffic lights then continue under the motorway. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit for Winchester then at the next roundabout take the 2nd exit on to Badger Farm Road (signposted ‘Olivers Battery A3090). Continue up hill and go straight over the 1st roundabout. At the 2nd roundabout, take the 2nd exit on to Romsey Road (signposted ‘City Centre’) then go through 2 sets of traffic lights.

  At the mini-roundabout, take the first exit on to Chilbolton Avenue (signposted ‘Stockbridge – Salisbury A30). Continue on this road for approximately 2.5 miles (ignoring signs to the Village of Sparsholt). Turn left at the Sparsholt College Hampshire/Wessex Centre sign. Continue up the lane for approximately 0.5 miles, turning right on to campus.

By Rail

Winchester is our closest rail station. Train times can be found by visiting the National Rail website. Taxi ranks are situated outside the station, and there is also a bus between the station and campus.

By Bus

We are served by the Stagecoach Route 7 bus which runs hourly between Winchester rail station and the centre of campus. The service departs from Winchester bus station at 07:32, 08:29 and 09:14 then 14 minutes past the hour every hour until 15:14, calling shortly after at Winchester rail station.

Please visit the bus company website for the full timetable, including variations in early morning and early evening times.

There are always questions that you might have, the common ones are answered below.

Do "long" and "short" riders start together? Due to social distancing and keeping everyone safe, riders will be allocated arrival and start times. Riders will roll individually over the start keeping 2m apart. 100-mile group will start first followed by the 67-mile group. If you have chosen to ride with a friend you will be in the same starting slot (2M apart)

Can I have a late start? No. We've allowed it in the past and not only have the event team been kept waiting endlessly at the start, but they have also had to wait into the early evening for the same people to finish.

How will a COVID Secure Check in work? You will be allocated an arrival time and a car park to park in. You must arrive at this time and park in that car park (It will be sign posted) Know your event number, stay in your car and our marshal will deliver your event pack to your car. This avoids you having to queue and keeps social distancing.

How will a socially distance start work? Please don't envisage a mass start like the Etape! As the route uses open roads and we are committed to social distancing. Participants will be allocated arrival and start times. The phased start is scheduled to begin at 07.00. On the assumption that even if the last people take 8 hours to complete the course (a leisurely average of 12.5 mph/20kph), they will still get back at a reasonable 15.30pm.

What will the COVID secure feed stop look like? The feed stations will look different than normal. The full instructions will be in the briefing email and webinar. Social distancing will be really important at the feed stations as this is a place where we expect riders to gather. The food will be in sealed packs and will include bananas, gels and energy bars. Due to the current situation we encourage all riders to be self sufficient or carry a bank card to pop into a shop to refuel. We will be able to refill your water bottle with water or energy drink.

How will registration work? Registration will happen online. You will be asked to complete a health screening questionnaire 7 days before the event. These questions will include questions around COVID-19 symptoms including about you and your household. You are asked not to come if you are unwell. We will also record your name and contact details of you and everyone that attends the event for Track and Trace purposes. This information is stored securely and will only be used for this situation.

Can I ride with a friend? Yes, you can ride with a friend! 6 of you can be in the same group but must adhere to the social distancing rules (2m). If you would like to be in the same starting block as a friend, you can let us know via our portal. Log in, click through to your entry and then click the "Start with Someone" button (it's in the "I would like to" section). Give the code that you see to your friend (or enter the code you have been given) and we will link you together and do our best to put you in the same starting block. Any issues please let us know!

Is there a medal? Absolutely! You've just cycled a very long way! Unfortunately due to COVID-19 we can't put it around your neck like normal. They will be laid out on the table at the finish for you to help yourself.

Will there be extra hygiene provisions? Yes. There will be a number of hand sanitiser stations around the venue and at the feed station. Please do not be offended if a marshal asks you to use the hand gel. You will be asked to use it before entering the feed station and upon leaving. Our check in marshals will be wearing face coverings if they are unable to maintain the 2m distance from you.

Marshalling is a super fun day out! You can really make a huge difference to the enjoyment of the participants!

As a thanks from us, you will receive a free entry to any of our events.

If you can help, please sign up HERE