What exactly is a challenge ride, or sportive?

A cyclosportive or a sportive is a non-competitive, non mass-start event that combines elements of road riding and long distance bicycle touring. Many cyclosportive events attract a wide range of riders, from dedicated racing cyclists to leisure cyclists wanting a challenging ride, and allows them to test themselves over a race-proven route. For example, l'Etape du Tour is held annually in France and allows amateur cyclists to race over the same mountain roads used by professional riders in the Tour de France; the Gran Fondo Felice Gimondi uses roads near Bergamo that test riders in the Giro d'Italia. Some cyclosportives offer a choice of routes of different lengths or difficulty.

A cyclosportive falls between a traditional road race and a non-competitive randonnée or Audax event. Riders sometimes carry a number and the time they take to complete the course is recorded, and there is sometimes an upper time limit within which the course must be completed (unlike many randonnée events, there is no lower limit constraining riders from completing the course quickly). The routes will usually be well sign-posted and/or marshalled (some cyclosportives in Europe take place on roads which have been closed to motor traffic for the duration of the event), riders will be able to use feeding stations positioned at intervals along the route to replenish their food and drink supplies, and mechanical and medical support may also be provided.

Some attract thousands of participants - since 2000 Etape du Tour has offered places to 8,500 riders each year.

Sportives in some countries like France or Italy are seen as races.

Do I need to be fit?

Frankly, yes; you need to be cycling fit but you don’t need to be an Olympic athlete. To be cycling fit you should have some good base mileage in place. For example, if you would not normally call yourself a cyclist and want to ride a sportive, then a good few months foundation of weekly road mileages working up to 150 miles per week over two to three rides would be the minimum for the shorter option rides. If you have a good foundation of fitness in any other sport it is not likely to be of any great direct benefit for cycling - so four nights a week down the gym or playing squash will not help you too much. There is simply no substitute for miles totaled up out on the bike. If you know that you are obese, or have any medical conditions, you should be wise to consult your doctor for health advise before taking part in a sportive.

Do I need a special bike?

A good lightweight road bike, in good condition, with a wide range of gears will be suitable. If you are thinking seriously about buying a modern bike specially for sportives then most specialist cycle dealers are able to advise. Expect to pay at least £600 for a serviceable entry level model. £1000 should get you a decent bike with carbon frame and Japanese or Italian branded components. Compact chainsets (50 teeth and 34 teeth chainwheels) are favored by many sportive riders; and with a 10-speed cassette (12 – 25 sprockets) you should enable you to get around just about any sportive - providing you are reasonably fit of course. Light but durable wheels and tyres make a huge difference to the amount effort required to get around – extra money spent here is a wise investment.

What should I carry?

Food, drink, spare clothing, multi-tool, spare inner tubes, some identification. Most sportives have stations providing (free) food and drink, but you should always have some extra energy food and isotonic drink with you at all times. The weather can change during the ride – if you have to stop for a puncture at altitude you can rapidly cool down. The most common form of mechanical breakdown is a puncture, particularly if the weather is wet. Always carry your own identification with you. Extra money and a mobile phone are highly recommended.

What should I wear?

To ride a sportive in relative comfort and safety certain items are recommended. Firstly a high quality cycle helmet – this is a good investment because better models generally are lighter and provide better ventilation in hot weather – in addition to the obvious safety benefit. Correctly fitting cycling shorts of the ‘bib’ design are highly recommended to keep those delicate areas comfortable during your ride. Bib shorts also ensure your lower back, vulnerable to chilling even on warm days, is covered at all times. Cycling jerseys are made of hi-tech fabrics helping to keep your body dry and temperature regulated. They also have rear pockets for those essential items to carry. Cycling shoes are highly recommended – you can’t walk around in these and they clip directly in to your compatible pedal system. Sun-glasses and lightweight cycling mitts make the ride more comfortable too.

What if it rains?

Cyclists are a hardy breed – sportives are not routinely cancelled due to bad weather. Fitted mudguards and overshoes make the ride much more bearable in such conditions. Punctures are more likely in the rain so carrying three inner tubes and a puncture kit is a good idea.

How do I follow the route?

Following the route and complying with the rules of the road are always the rider’s responsibility in the UK. Organisers publish detailed route descriptions route cards for this purpose.

In reality routes are usually well marked with direction signs from the moment you depart from the start area. Often there are riders around you or just ahead to follow. This is due to demand from the riders as this Genre of cycling has evolved.

Why is there an entry fee?

Sportives cost money to stage. Headquarter facilities, start/finish/timing systems, drink, food, signage on the route, first-aid facilities, public liability insurance, technical assistance and support .

Average cost is £25 per event. For that you get feed stops, electronic timing. Some events even give you pre and post event food and a goody bag too.

You will also find that most events have official photographers out on the course, to which you can buy photos of yourself in action. Typical costs are anywhere from £10-£20 for prints or a digital download.

Click here to understand the history of cyclosportives in the UK.