A new event for 2009 is the Rapha Condor Sportive, which will take place on 1 August starting in Blackpool. It will precede the Nocturne crit race taking part in the evening of the same day.

Professional cycling team Rapha Condor will be on hand for participants to meet and ride with. There will be two distances to choose from: a flatter route of 58 miles or a hilly 85 miles.

Both routes run along the coast, taking in some lovely quiet country roads and beautiful Lancashire countryside and using lanes of the National Cycle Network. Routes will be fully signed and marshalled and Science In Sport will be supplying sustenance at the feed stations. Chip timing devices will be used and supplied by Sport Systems.

There will be plenty happening at the start, with trade stands from Rapha, creators of some of the finest performance cycling clothing and accessories in the world, and legendary cycle retailer and manufacturer Condor Cycles. Food and drink will also be available for riders and, at the end, prizes provided by Rapha Condor will be awarded to the winners. Blackpool Council is supporting both the sportive during the day and the Blackpool Nocturne in the evening.

Riders and spectators can benefit from discounted hotel rates in Blackpool and can make a full weekend of the event by riding the Sportive and then watching the spectacular racing events at the Nocturne.

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