A sportive attached to the Circuit of the Fens elite road race will take place on Saturday July 26, the day before the pros ride the same course.

Held in Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, there will be four sportive routes available, including the 211km Grand Prix.

The Elite, a 130km ride, the Come and Try at 60km – with ride captains on the route – and a shorter family-orientated ride are also on offer.

The routes, which all start and finish in the town centre, include the run-in over Wype Drove – a rough, two-mile single teack section – and loops into the Cambridgeshire countryside, which while there are few climbs pose the additional problems of the wind on the Fens.

Race organiser Tom Caldwell said: “After the tremendous success of last year’s race we have acted upon on requests for an event which the local community could also take part in such is the popularity of cycling in the area.

“The selection of different routes will suit all abilities of cyclists and we already have lots of interest in the shorter distances from people new to cycling.

“We have also appointed professional sportive organisers Wheels in Wheels Events to handle the event to ensure participants get the best experience possible.”

Entertainment over the weekend will also include the Raleigh road show in the town centre, while free parking, a canteen, shower and mechanical support will all be provided at the ride’s base.

Feed stations are included on the three main routes – which are all fully signposted – and each route will include a broom wagon.

For more details and to enter the sportive visit www.wheelsinwheels.com or to find more about the elite road race click here.