Sportive

Five sportives to tackle before February

Start the year as you mean to go on

Sunday January 26

There was much excitement when it was revealed the 2014 Tour de France would take in Crag Vale – the longest continual climb in England.

And British sportive riders can tackle the climb almost six months before the world’s best do, with it featuring in the Evans Cycles RideIt! Rochdale Sportive.

After a sell-out season in 2013, Evans Cycles’ RideIt! series is back, with more than 60 sportives organised throughout the year.

The joy of the open road awaits this month

The Rochdale event is rated as being four out of five on the difficulty scale, with the longest 70 mile route taking in more than 5,000ft of elevation.

Also taking in the rolling, picturesque countryside in Todmorden and Hebden Bridge, the route tackles some of the Moors’ most iconic climbs.

Starting and ending at Wardle High School, Rochdale, there are also 30-mile and 50-mile options, all costing £17.50 with free child entry.

As with all Evans Cycles RideIt! events, there will be mechanical support and a broomwagon, while electronic timing ensures all riders’ times will be available online afterwards.

For more details visit http://www.evanscycles.com/pages/rideit-Rochdale-sportive-ride-26th-january-2014