Taking place on 16th may and now in its second year, the Midland Monster is the only truly Midlands-based sportive, starting and finishing as it does at the picturesque Rosliston Forestry Centre near Burton -on-Trent. If you think the Midlands is flat, then think again; this is the area where Garmin-Transitions professional Dan Martin grew up and honed his skills as a climber.

There are two distances available on the day: 103 miles and 73 miles. The long ride goes north before climbing into the lower Peak District and then follows a rolling route back from Ashbourne to the finish. This is a tough test with a series of relentless climbs and the distance will test everyone’s fitness. The shorter 73 mile route runs along the same roads with the odd testing climb to stretch the legs.

If that’s all too much, then a family ride of 15 miles around the Forestry Centre is also available. There will be two feed stations covering both routes to keep nutrition levels topped up and a drink and meal awaits all finishers.

Signing on is available from 07:30 with the long route starting in small groups between 08:00 and 09:00 and up to 09:30 for the shorter ride. Both routes will be timed and will have a roving mechanical service backed up by a broom wagon should it be needed. The family ride starts at 11:00 and is free to enter.

For more information on the Midland Monster sportive and to enter on-line please visit www.wheelsinwheels.com