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Test the Latest Shimano Wheels at the Vitus Forest of Dean Classic

by Holly Blades

Wheels in Wheels Events Ltd, organisers of six sportives in the UK and the Duva International in Mallorca, are pleased to announce that the latest Shimano road wheelsets will be available to test at the Vitus Forest of Dean Classic sportive in Monmouth on Sunday 6th May 2012.

If you want to ‘real world’ test the latest wheelsets from Shimano then the Vitus Forest of Dean Classic sportive is offering a solution. All the 2012 range of Shimano wheelsets from entry level to Dura Ace C50 deep sections will be available to test via a ballot system for entrants in the event. Just go to the event website www.wheelsinwheels.com and register your details for your chosen wheelset. Lucky riders will then be informed if they have wheels several days before the event.

Qualified mechanics will be on hand to give advice on the wheels and change any cassettes over before the ride. Michelin are also supplying the latest Pro 4 tyres on all test wheels so you don’t have to change your tyres over either.

This is the seventh edition of the 89 mile route through the picturesque Monmouthshire countryside and it is well established as a tough ride with 20 climbs, all numbered so you can count them down, and the climbing starts as soon as you leave the village of Monmouth. All the well known climbs such as Bulls Hill, Cinderford and the Forest of Dean itself are included but the real test of the day is the 25% brute of Symonds Yat less than 10 miles from the finish.

The event is keen to stick to its one route format as Wheels in Wheels event organiser Graham Temple says: “We originally started the Forest of Dean Classic as a preparation event for the big European sportives like the Etape as UK riders needed an event to get them used to plenty of climbing. With only one route, you know that everyone at the finish has had a tough day out and even former Tour de France King of the Mountains winner Steven Rooks was surprised with the amount of climbing on the course when he rode the event last year.”

To cope with an increase in numbers, this year the start location has been moved to the Monmouth Showground to provide better facilities and increased free car parking all in one area. The route itself will have the usual excellent back up structure from Wheels in Wheels Events and will be fully signposted, have electronic timing, well stocked feed stations, full mechanical back en route as well as the start/finish and NEG outriders on the course.

For more information and to enter on-line please visit www.wheelsinwheels.com