If there’s one thing that strikes fear in a new cyclist – for me, at least – then it is failure. Gentle rides pootling through north Kent will long be forgotten once I clip-in on the start line.

But I’m not talking about my first race. No, that will come, if ever, further down the line.

I’m talking about my first sportive – the Circuit of Kent on Sunday. It will be fun, I’m told. It’s supposed to be fun and I know it will be. But that doesn’t make the prospect of that first long timed ride any more comforting.

I am, of course, half jesting and, deep down, I’m looking forward to it – I wouldn’t have signed up otherwise – and this challenge is not a clear-cut case of success or failure.

Long a fan of the sport and having followed the professional ranks as a journalist, I started cycling on the road in June. Having finished university two years ago, with my very modest stint as a rower complete, it was time for a new challenge.

The Circuit of Kent has been billed as perfect for the beginner and, with four months of half-cooked riding behind me, I opted for the 80km route over the 130km alternative to mark the end of my first week on the RoadCyclingUK team.

Still, 80km, a shade short of 50 miles, represents a stiff work-out following my two year sofa-filled hiatus from sport. Five-a-side football doesn’t count.

A quick glance at Sunday’s weather forecast yesterday cast a picture of rain jackets and sodden roads but today’s outlook is for sunny intervals and short-sleeved jerseys. That’s the late British summer for you.

The advice from Richard Hallett, editor of RoadCyclingUK, is the same as I’ve heard since I sent off the cheque – ‘ride at your own pace.’

And that is even more pertinent for the Circuit of Kent which, whatever route you take, hits every rider with an almighty sting in the tale – One Tree Hill.

A one-and-a-half mile beast, One Tree Hill ramps up to nigh-on 20 per cent and weary legs are put through their final paces just minutes from home.

I have tackled a handful of the North Downs’ hills thus far in solo rides and a brace of club runs which have taken me up to 40 miles.

Nothing to write home about but, at 80 per cent of Circuit of Kent route, they should enough to see me last the distance. Although my brother’s birthday on Friday could put paid to that. 

But as Richard has said: ‘Make sure you don’t go out too hard and leave something in the tank.’

And that’s exactly how I’ll ride – cautious yet confident. In truth, I can’t wait and I know this is more of a testing ground than anything else.

I’m just looking forward to getting out there, riding and enjoying my bike. Speed and quick times can wait.