The Tour De Northamptonshire X, XL and XXL

The Tour De Northamptonshire is a three distance circular event starting and finishing at Naseby Village Hall just outside of Northampton in a wonderful central location only 5 minutes from Junction 2 A14.

The Tour of the Villages X (30 mile) route begins with a long descent past Cottesbrooke Hall & Gardens, before the climb into Brixworth, continuing the undulating course through the villages of Walgrave, Broughton and Thorpe Malsor, before the gradual climb back to Naseby passing by Harrington Air Base War Memorial and Kelmarsh Hall.

Reservoirs & Aerodromes XL (40 mile) route also begins with a short descent out of Naseby before climbing up to Cold Ashby. You will then ride past Hollowell reservoir, cross Ravensthorpe Reservoir before continuing along the undulating route into Brixworth and the welcome descent to Pitsford Reservoir causeway. Heading into picturesque Sywell village you will pass the Aerodrome before reaching the first aid station at 18 miles. Heading back out close to Sywell Reservoir you continue through stunning countryside and villages to the next feed station at Great Cransley Village Hall (28 miles). The final push back to Naseby will take you past Cransley Reservoir, Harrington Aerodrome and War Memorial, and Kelmarsh Hall.

Reservoirs & Aerodromes XXL (60 mile) route follows the XL route to Cold Ashby but stretches out to Yelvertoft and West Haddon before heading back to Hollowell and Ravensthorpe Reservoirs. Crossing the causeway of Pitsford reservoir you will head to picturesque Sywell Village, past the aerodrome to the first feed station (26 miles). The route then takes in a loop around Sywell Reservoir before heading up to Broughton village via Orlingbury. You will then reach the final feed station at Great Cransley (39 miles). Heading out to Thorpe Malsor past Cransley Reservoir, onwards to Harrington Aerodrome and the War Memorial, the 60 mile route continues to Braybrooke close to the River Jordan, before heading back south to Arthingworth, Kelmarsh and into Naseby to the finish.

Please note: final versions of the routes will be available 2 weeks prior to the event in case of diversions required due to road works etc.

All finishers will receive a medal at the finish line.

Marked route, GPX files, aid stations, mechanical support, tea, coffee and cake, a fun and friendly day

• Medal
• Mechancial Support

COURSE MARKING
The routes will be marked with signs and biodegradable paint

REGISTRATION
Registration opens at 07.30 and will be inside the Village Hall. You will receive two race numbers – one to attach to your bike helmet and the other to the front of your bike. Please make sure that both numbers are always clearly visible.

START TIME
Registration will open at 07.30. Riders should not arrive more than 30 minutes before their route start time. This is to prevent queues forming at registration and toilet facilities. There will be a rolling start with groups of around 15 riders setting off at 5-minute intervals.

Reservoirs & Aerodromes XXL (60 mile) route start time: 08.00-08.45
Reservoirs & Aerodromes XL (40 miles) route start time: 08.30-09.15
Tour of the Villages (30 mile) route start time: 09.00-09.30.

AID STATION
There are two feed stations – Sywell Village Hall and Great Cransley Village Hall.
Great Cransley is available on all three routes and will provide water, tea, coffee, homemade cakes, sweet and savoury snacks. Toilet facilities will be available.
The feed station at Sywell Village Hall is accessible to riders on the XL (40 mile) and XXL (60 mile) routes. There will be the opportunity refill water bottles, with sweet and savoury snacks available.

AGE LIMIT
Minimum age for the event is 14 years old for the 30 mile route and 16 years old for the 40 and 60 mile routes.

CUT OFF
The cut off time for the event is 14.30, by which time all riders should have crossed the finish line. Any riders on the XXL (60) route that do not feel confident about finishing within the cut off time may change to the XL (40 mile) route at any of the course splits – please inform us if you change route when you reach the finish line. Any riders on the XXL (60 mile) that have not reached Sywell Village feed station by 11.15am will be asked to continue the ride on the XL (40 mile) route. This is to ensure that all riders have safely completed the course within the cut-off time

HEADPHONES
Headphones are not permitted for safety reasons. It is permissible to wear a single ear bud/wireless headphone to hear the voice navigation cues.

Mandatory Kit
Bike (well maintained)
Helmet (must meet minimum BSEN1078 safety standards)
At least one refillable water bottle with minimum 500ml capacity
Spare inner tube, tyre levers and pump
Mobile phone for emergencies
Weather appropriate clothing

Recommended Kit
Working Red rear light
First Aid Kit
Additional basic tools
Working front light
Additional snacks if required for dietary needs

Please use for reference.

Subject to change