For what this weekend’s Sensa Bikes Witches’ Curse Sportive lacks in length it makes up in climbing, with more than 7,500 feet of ascent packed into the 68-mile route.

The sportive, postponed earlier in the year due to bad weather, takes place from Clitheroe, Lancashire, on Sunday September 9.

Both the 68 and 45-mile routes head out in a clockwise direction from Clitheroe town centre and take in the infamous Nick O’Pendle climb as well as a host of other Pendle Hills before the routes split at Low Moor. From here the short route heads back to the finish while the longer course continues to Longridge and Hallgate Hill before returning to sportive HQ via Waddington.

The long route packs in 15 climbs, all named so you know which ones to moan about afterwards, while the short route still features nearly 5,000 feet of ascent. Both routes have been designed so you are never more than 10 miles from the finish in case you decide to cut the ride short.

Both routes will be fully signed and timed, with mechanical support on route and at the HQ, as well as a broom wagon, feed stops and free food on your return to the finish. Merlin Cycles will be on hand with their new range of Sensa Bikes for riders to demo and will also be providing mechanical support at the start/finish area. Riders can also test Shimano wheels during the sportive for free by registering for the ballot in advance on the website.

Sportive entry costs £17 for CTC members, £27 for non-members and £60 for teams of four. Enter online at www.ctcchallengerides.co.uk