It’s hard to keep track of all the new cyclosportives but this one caught the eye – the Endura Lionheart Sportive on Sunday March 20.
The ride, with 100km and 100-mile options, kicks off from Longleat House, in the heart of the Safari Park – with competitors soon riding past Longleat’s lion enclosure.
The routes then head out into the Wiltshire and Somerset lanes, with the longer ride taking in 1,400m of climbing and both courses tackling the stiff Kilmington Common and Gare Hill ascents.
Finishers are rewarded with a dash to the line in front of the grand Longleat House, while electronic timing, feed stops, photographers, outriders and a broom wagon will be on hand.
Entries are open now and cost £28 for either route.