January is the time to set goals for the year ahead and the UK has a packed sportive calendar to ensure there’s a ride suitable for every cyclist.

The calendar is busier than ever, with countless sportives from January to December and tens of events on any given weekend at the peak of the season.

That means it can be difficult to sort the wheat from the chaff – but whether you’re looking to ride your first sportive or want a serious challenge to test the legs, we’ve picked out six events, each with a different flavour, for you to consider in 2014.

Or if you have a favourite event of your own, tell us in the forum.