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Winter is almost over and that means we are in for a flurry of bank holiday weekends – an opportunity to get away and ride your bike in amazing places without needing to take time off work. Here are 6 of the best sportives to make the most of your long weekends.
Quickly becoming a classic, this sportive takes in a complete loop of cycling’s favourite island. The race starts at first light and for many finishes in near darkness. Most of the climbing takes place in the first half with Puig Major being the longest ascent of the day. For those not wanting to be in the saddle for 10 hours + there is the option of riding the 167km route.
The cycling world focusing on Flanders at this time of year and this is a great chance to ride along the same route as the pros at Gent Wevelgem. The route takes you to lesser ridden Western Flanders past WW1 battlefields, into France and through the picturesque town of Ypres. The main climb is the legendary Kemmelberg – 23% in parts and the decisive sector of this race.
The former world champion himself rides this sportive which takes in the highlights of both Liege Bastogne Liege and Fleche Wallonne, both of which Mr Gilbert won. There are route options from 87km to 145km, the longer taking in both the Cote de la Redoute & the legendary Mur de Huy.
A rare multi day sportive, this popular British event takes place over the last bank holiday weekend in May and offers 3 consecutive days of challenging riding across the Somerset countryside. There are multiple options for you to choose but the full package is 3 days with 330 miles of riding.
La Marmotte is the original sportive in the Alps. This year sees the inaugural Marmotte Pyrenees and it looks every bit as classic as the original. The route takes in 5 climbs, all of them firm Tour de France favourites culminating the the Col d’Aspin, Col du Tourmalet & the hairpins of Luz Ardiden. With over 5,000 metres of climbing, this is not for the faint hearted!
A new sportive to add to the British calendar and one of the toughest. The full route is 121 miles with over 12,000 ft of climbing including the two passes that give the event its name – Devil’s Staircase & Devil’s Elbow. Both of these are over 25% and there are plenty of other challenges to get over in the Brecons.
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You can find more information on the best sportives in Europe at Sportive Breaks.
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