Looking for a sportive in September? Taking place on Sunday 13 September is the event named after the TV cycling commentator, the David Duffield Severn Bridge Sportive.

“Building on the success of last year,” says David Duffield, “I’m delighted the ride is now a sportive and offers so much more, including electronic chip timing. I’m already in training and looking forward to riding the new route, which promises stunning scenery and inspiring hills.”

The event will offer three routes for riders to choose from, from a 40km family ride to the 105km and 168km challenges. The 168km route will take riders from Castle Combe Motor Racing Circuit through the Cotswolds to Gloucester, allowing them to cross the River Severn at its narrowest point, before turning west towards the Forest of Dean and South Wales. Once in South Wales, riders will then cross the original Severn Bridge and return to Castle Combe.

The shorter 105km (66 mile) route takes riders out to the Severn Bridge to cross into South Wales for a loop enabling them to link back up with the longer route and head back across the bridge to Castle Combe.

David Duffield adds: “Both routes take in the roads that I used to break the Road Records Association’s Cardiff– London Tricycle Record: in 1959 via Gloucester and then in 1971 via the Severn Bridge, so I can certainly recommend them!”

The 2009 David Duffield Severn Bridge Sportive will be a fully supported event with feed stations, electronic chip timing, well signed routes, mechanical support (both at the start and out on the route), broom wagon, medical help (supplied by the NEG MediBikes), and motorcycle outriders.

The David Duffield Severn Bridge Sportive costs £24.50 and will raise funds for the CTC Charitable Trust: £2 of every entry will be donated to CTC’s vital campaigning work.

More info at www.severnbridgesportive.co.uk.