Entries for one of the UK’s toughest sportives – the Saddleback Fred Whitton Challenge – open on Saturday January 4 with a new start and finish venue in place for 2014.
The 112-mile sportive sells out fast and keen riders are urged to act fast with entries only open for a week. The route includes 3,950m of climbing via ascents of Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter, Hardknott and Wrynose passes.
To accommodate the increase in riders taking part, the Lakeland Cycle Sportive’s start and finish is to move to the Grasmere Sports Ground after 14 years in Coniston.
Credited as being the UK’s first cycle sportive, after starting in 1999 in memory of Lakes Road Club member Fred Whitton, who died aged 49, last year’s event attracted 1,750 riders, who had to be chosen by ballot owing to the popularity of the event.
The move to Grasmere will allow organisers to safely accommodate 2,000 riders, while providing car parking, refreshments, a bar, trade stalls and family activities.
Organiser Paul Loftus said: “We can’t wait and hope you’ll enjoy what is set to be a great day at our new location, making the event even more exciting for all the riders’ supporters and loved ones.”
Timing for the 2014 event will be done via ‘helmet tag electronic timing’, which uses electronic tags on the side of the helmet which are automatically detected and recorded at the start, finish and checkpoints along the route.
Entry costs £50, or those pledging to raise £250 for the Challenge’s partner charities can enter before the January deadline.
For more information on the route, and for details on how to enter, visit: www.fredwhittonchallenge.org.uk
