Sportive

Six of the best UK sportives to ride in 2014

Six events, each with a different flavour, for you to tackle this year

Bealach Mor

Bealach Na Ba is widely considered the UK’s toughest climb, rising for 626m from sea level in just 10km, making for an average gradient of seven per cent, and with pitches approaching 20 per cent.

Bealach Na Ba is the third highest road in Scotland and rises from sea level to 626m (Pic: summonedbyfells / Creative Commons)

It’s a climb which should be on every rider’s bucket list and it serves as the headline ascent of the Bealach Mor sportive. It’s far from the only climb on the route, however, with 9,500 feet of climbing packed into a 90 mile course which takes in the best roads of the rugged Applecross peninsula in the northwest Highlands. Think unspoilt landscapes with outstanding views of the sea and mountains.

Ready for the challenge? The 2014 Bealach Mor will take place on Saturday August 30, with an entry fee of £39. A timing station will be located at the top and bottom of Bealach Na Ba and the fastest rider will be awarded a yellow and red jersey.

Date: Saturday August 30
Route: 90 miles
Price: £39
Website: Bealach Mor