Entries are now open for the 2013 Santini Cotswold Spring Classic, which will take place on Easter Monday (April 1).
The early-season sportive takes place over an undulating course through picture-perfect Cotswold scenery, and for 2013 a 50km route has been introduced along the existing 100km and 160km courses.
“The new route is aimed at riders who may be new to the sport and have been inspired by cycling’s amazing year in 2012, or riders who need that first target ride of the year,” said event director Andy Kirk.
All three routes will be fully signposted, with electronic timing, well-stocked feed stations (one for the short and medium routes, two for the long course), motorcycle outrider support, neutral service (provided by Performance Cycles, Fulcrum and Schwalbe) and hot food at the end of the ride. Every finisher will be given a goodie bag with a Santini gift and an Easter egg.
Santini continue to support the sportive, while Mekk, De Rosa and Eddy Merckx Cycles will have their 2013 models on display.
The sportive’s rider limit has been reduced to 600 riders, down from the sell-out 750 in 2012, due to a long-term building project at the Cirencester College HQ which has reduced the amount of parking available.
“We are doing our best to secure additional parking facilities, but until we are happy that this is sorted we’ve taken the decision to reduce the numbers for the event,” said Kirk.
“We’d rather make sure everyone has got somewhere to park rather than continue to increase the numbers of riders and leave people looking for spaces around the town.”
Entry costs £24.50 via www.cotswoldspringclassic.co.uk
