Wiltshire Downs, 17th June
100 Mile Classic through an ancient English landscape
The Great Western Sportive has established itself as a must do event since it’s launch in 2010! A fantastic route that fits perfectly into our ‘riders rides’ ethos, with a full 100 mile top distance, this ride is big every sense!
Rolling across the ancient Ridgeway and winding through the beautiful Marlborough Downs, the route is a real treat, with broad, open roads echoing the sweep of the scenery. The folds of the Downs set you against a series of truly testing climbs, but this is a ride designed to reward every challenge, not just beat you into submission. Every summit marks the start of a long, flowing descent, with even longer and more languorous views. Beautiful old villages, pepper the route, and Cherhill White Horse remind you that you’re in an area with fascinating and far reaching history.
Nationwide HQ
Results Now Online
Thanks for riding the Great Western Sportive yesterday – we hope you had a terrific ride! Event results are available here:
And don’t miss our our next two great Beach Cruiser Sportives! >>>
The Sussex Downs Beach Cruiser
June 30th
The Hampshire Hills Beach Cruiser
August 11th
Short Route
kilometres
Lowest Point: 102m
Max. Gradient: 16%
- 1061 Metres of Climbing
Mid Route
kilometres
Highest Point: 268m
Lowest Point: 91
Max. Gradient: 16%
- 1360 Metres of Climbing
Full Route
kilometres
Lowest Point: 85m
Max. Gradient: 16%
- 1910 Metres of Climbing
Venue
Nationwide HQ,
Pipers Way,
Swindon, SN3 1TA
Start Time
8:30am – 9:15am
Finish Time
*Routes run anti-clockwise. Final routes may change; check rider information before the event and on the day.
Mid Route
119 Kilometres- Fully route marked by the event team
- Route map for all riders
- GPS files sent to pre entered riders (enter in advance to receive these)
- Electronic rider timing with live finish line results.
- 2x feed/support stations.
- Hot food and drink available at event base.
- Emergency contact numbers for our team made available for you to carry with you.
- Gold/Silver/Bronze Finishers Medals.
- Free Event Photography.
- Entry on the Day £5 extra.
- Additional late booking charge my apply up to 2 weeks before the event
Full Route
164 Kilometres- Fully route marked by the event team
- Route map for all riders
- GPS files sent to pre entered riders (enter in advance to receive these)
- Electronic rider timing with live finish line results.
- 3x feed/support stations.
- Hot food and drink available at event base.
- Emergency contact numbers for our team made available for you to carry with you.
- Gold/Silver/Bronze Finishers Medals.
- Free Event Photography.
- Entry on the Day £5 extra.
- Additional late booking charge my apply up to 2 weeks before the event
Short Route
83 Kilometres- Fully route marked by the event team
- Route map for all riders
- GPS files sent to pre entered riders (enter in advance to receive these)
- Electronic rider timing with live finish line results.
- 2x feed/support stations.
- Hot food and drink available at event base.
- Emergency contact numbers for our team made available for you to carry with you.
- Gold/Silver/Bronze Finishers Medals.
- Free Event Photography.
- Entry on the Day £5 extra.
- Additional late booking charge my apply up to 2 weeks before the event
Event Logistics
On the Ride
Checkpoints / Feed Stations
There will be between one and three manned support stations on your route (depending on your distance option). Look out ofr the yellow and black “Checkpoint” flag as you arrive. Please slow as you approach support staions, as other riders may be pulling out back onto the road.
At these checkpoints, you will be able to top up on food, water and energy mix. Our team will also be on hand to help you with mechanical and other support issues. Some checkpoints may feature a mid ride timing mat – please look for the “Timing Point” sign as you arive at the checkpoint and pass over the mat as instructed. Passing through these points helps us to run and time the event more effeciently, so please do use them as directed by our team.
Entry on the Day
Registration
Following the Route
Follow the orange signs and orange ribbons (you will shown samples of these at the ride briefing) regardless of which route distance you are riding. Everybody follows orange. At route divide points, you will see a set of yellow signs, with “Full Route”, “Mid Route” or “Short Route” written on them, pointing in different directions. At this point, follow the right sign for the route you are riding. Once you get beyond the route divide point, you will start following orange signs and ribbons again.
(Please note, in spite of our best efforts, signs can go missing or be tampered with during the course of the day. Make sure you pick up a copy of the route map at event registration, and carry it with you for use if needed. We also send out GPS files to all pre entries prior to the event, so if oyu want ot have the route on your phone or GPS device, sign up online now!)
Food and Drink
Hot and cold food and drink and snacks will be available to purchase from the event centre before and after the ride. (Including our ever popular home made chilli!)