Sportive riders can rub shoulders with sprint legend Mario Cipollini in the Cipollini Gran Fondo on April 21-22.

The unique format kicks off with registration and a welcome drink at the Redwood Lodge Country Club, near Bristol, before a three course gala dinner featuring interviews with Cipollini, who amassed 191 victories over a 15-year career, as well as a surprise after dinner speaker.

The sportive will then take place on the Sunday, following a 115km course, primarily on quiet roads and including a selection of unknown climbs alongside iconic ascents such as Cheddar George and Burrington Combe. A shortcut avoiding Cheddar Gorge is available, reducing the course by 15km and 300m of climbing.

Cipollini will ride the sportive, and the organisers say the former world road race champion will jump for group to group in order to give as many riders as possible the chance to rub shoulders with the 12-time Tour de France stage winner.

Entry for the Cipollini Gran Fondo is £100, with the pre-ride gala dinner an additional £45. Hotel rooms can be booked for £45-£65 per person.

Visit www.mcipollinigranfondo.co.uk for full event info and to enter.