South Downs Sting
Want to mix tarmac with trails? The final event in a series of cyclo-cross sportives organised by Southern Sportive will take place in Duncton, Sussex, on Sunday March 9.
The area is renowned for its road and off-road riding and the South Downs Sting promises to combine the best of both, with quiet Sussex lanes mixed with off-road tracks and trails, and stretches of the South Downs Way.
Three routes, 40km, 60km and 80km, are on offer, with 868m, 1,026m and 1,340m of climbing respectively. You don’t need a cyclo-cross bike to take part, instead your choice of steed will define your ride, according to the sportive’s organisers.
“Will the versatility of an MTB offer the best performance over mixed terrain?,” they ponder. “Will the pure speed of your road bike make up for time lost on the short, occasional off road dismounts? Or will the CX bike give you the best return where it counts?”
What they don’t recommend, however, is tackling the route on your mum’s shopping bike or your super-light, carbon fibre racing thoroughbred.
Entry costs £16 for the 40km route, or £20 for the 60km and 80km courses.
Date: Sunday March 9
Routes: 40km, 60km, 80km
Price: £16, £20, £20
Website: South Downs Sting
