TV’s Davina McCall along with almost 400 women-cyclists raised over £60,000 when they took to the saddle again for a women-only bike ride for a children’s charity on Sunday 13 May. Davina McCall has been involved with Action Medical Research since she was a little girl and added: “This is one of my favourite days in the year! I get to hang out with great women, get fit, eat loads guilt free and raise money for Action Medical Research, a charity that means so much to me.”

Photo: Lee Collier

The sun shone brightly as cyclists participating in Action Medical Research’s DIVA100 Sussex 2012’s bike ride set off from Cowdray Park Golf Club in Midhurst.

Launched in 2011, the first ride saw as many ladies of all cycling abilities take part, raising thousands for Horsham-based children’s charity Action Medical Research.

Supported by leading bike brand Trek, the DIVA100 offered two circular countryside routes – a 100km challenge or a shorter 50km course for those looking to take it a little bit easier.

Money raised by cyclists who participated in the DIVA100 ride will help fund medical research into conditions affecting babies and children. Action Medical Research is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2012 and has been funding medical breakthroughs since it began in 1952. The charity is currently supporting work around meningitis, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, premature birth and some very rare conditions that severely affect children.

Event Manager Sarah Stevenson says: “It’s so wonderful to see so many women joining forces with Davina to take to the hills of Sussex for Action Medical Research. Every hill and every decent will help raise funds to stop the suffering of babies and children and I am so proud of every women who has completed this amazing challenge.”

The ride was fully supported with plenty of rest stops, a fully-serviced lunch and a complimentary sports massage for all the riders. Staff riders and first aiders were also present along the routes.

To register your interest for next year’s DIVA100 Sussex bike ride, contact Sarah Stevenson on 01273 735788 or email sstevenson@action.org.uk

There are still two more DIVA100 rides taking place this year, for on-the-day registrations for DIVA100 Scotland on 20 May or to sign up for DIVA100 Warwickshire on 27 May visit -

www.action.org.uk/diva100

60% OFF GIRO CYCLING SUNGLASSES AT WIGGLE

Wiggle are currently offering 60% off their range of Giro sunglasses. There’s a wide range of styles and colours to choose from including the cycling specific Havik sunglasses to the more casual looking Fader and Instigator models.

To browse all the discounted models visit – Wiggle Giro Offer

Giro Havik 2 Compact Sunglasses

It looks like this weekend will be the busiest we’ve seen so far in 2012 with a total of 18 cycle sportive events planned to take place over Saturday and Sunday. Several new events feature including the new Garmin Sportive being run by Hargroves Cycles and one from established event organisers, the Wight Riviera Sprotive, run by the team behind the Southern Sportive and Sunday Sportive series. The Wight Riviera features a 25 mile closed road loop and mass start which we believe is a first for the south of England.

Also new for 2012, and taking place this weekend, is the London Revolution cycle challenge with a 180 mile loop around London spread over two days of riding.

After torrential rain and flooding caused the Wiggle Ups and Downs sportive to be cancelled in April it’s been rescheduled and now takes place this weekend instead. The forecast looks promising so it should go ahead with any such problems this time.

Full details of all this weekend’s cycle sportives are listed below -

Vitus Sportive Selkirk – 19th May 2012
New sportive series for 2012 organised by Chain Reaction Cycles and Vitus Bikes, this round takes place in Selkirk, Scotland, more…

The Garmin Sportive – 19th May 2012
A new event for 2012 promises a challenging sportive in the rolling Meon Valley with stunning views at the top of the climbs. Supported by Timelaps and Garmin as the headline sponsor, more…

The Keswick Sportive – 19th May 2012
A choice of 3 route distances (105km, 90km, 46km) and for this year in support of the Great North air ambulance, more…

London Revolution – 19th-20th May 2012
2 days, 180 miles, 2,500 riders, 1 iconic city. Your chance to join the cycling revolution and celebrate an incredible year for the capital, more…

Wiggle Ups & Downs Sportive – 20th May 2012

Rescheduled date following the cancellation due to bad weather of the originally planned April date. Taking in the best of the Surrey Hills and North Downs, all 3 courses are based in the heart of this area of outstanding natural beauty, more…

Castle Ride 100 – 20th May 2012

Charity event raising money for Action Medical Research offers a choice of 100 miles or 100km routes through the Kent countryside starting from the ground of Tonbridge Castle, more…

The Wild Edric – 20th May 2012

The Wild Edric Edric takes you on a scenic and historical ride around Shropshire and the Welsh Marches, more…

Tour of the Roaches Cyclo-Sportive – 20th May 2012

Organised by Xtra Mile Events taking riders into the Cheshire countryside and the stunning rocky outcrop that is The Roaches, more…

Blackrat Cycle Challenge Bristol – 20th May 2012

Offering a choice of 100km and 100 miles distances with both routes including some tough Mendip climbs including the iconic Cheddar Gorge, more…

The Pearson 150 Sportive – 20th May 2012

Two distances, 150km or 75km, a great day of riding, beautiful scenery, and a challenge for all levels of rider in aid of Royal Marsden Hospital, more…

Eastbourne Cycling Festival Sportive – 20th May 2012

Part of the Eastbourne Cycling Festival, a weekend of cycling events based on the seafront. The sportive has a choice of 50, 60 or 106 mile routes, more…

GC Giro Midland Monster Sportive – 20th May 2012

This is the original Midland Monster Sportive. CC Giro have been promoting the sportive for 4 years now, on a not for profit basis. Using the original route designed be John Perks, more…

Solway Sportive – 20th May 2012

Organised by Dumfries Cycling Club, enjoy a great day out riding along the beautiful Solway coast and countryside and raise money for a local charity, more…

Diva 100 Scotland – 20th May 2012

Second event in the Diva 100 women’s only sportive series sees a new location for 2012 starting from Kincardine, Fife, more…

Etape Du Dales – 20th May 2012

112 mile sportive in the Yorkshire Dales starting and finishing in Threshfield, nr Grassington and raising money for the Dave Rayner Fund, more…

VC10 Cyclosportive – 20th May 2012

Event organised by VC10, a new internet based club formed to provide cyclist at every level with a club they feel is their own regardless of their location in the UK, more…

The Wight Riviera Sportive – 20th May 2012

A new event for 2012 from the Southern Sportive, the event features a mass start lead out from Yarmouth harbour front, leading into the 25km closed road Avant loop, more…

The Sarn Helen Sportif – 20th May 2012

Starting in Llandarcy, the full 115 mile route includes the ascent of the devils staircase and a descent of the devils elbow, more…

Human Race, organisers of the revamped Etape Cymru, have today released details of the planned route for the 2012 edition of the event, taking place on Sunday 9th September. The revised 2012 route comes in at 92 miles and retains several well known climbs including the legendary Horseshoe Pass with a total ascent of around 3,000 metres.

The Etape Cymru, which has received some major modifications from the 2011 edition, will start from Bangor-on-Dee racecourse, situated a few miles southeast of Wrexham. Set amongst beautiful countryside, the start point is overlooked by the hills that participants will later be climbing, providing a perfect opportunity to assess the challenge ahead and soak up the pre-event atmosphere.

Etape Cymru 2012 Route Outline

The change in the route will ensure that cyclists are more spread out from the start of the ride, reducing any concerns of bunching and crowded roads. There are also several perfectly positioned spectator points on the route, where friends and relatives can relax whilst watching the event take place.

The challenging 92-mile route will pass by the villages of Llangollen, Carrog, and Minera, and takes in climbs of many of the tough hills in the Clwydian range, including Panorama and The Shelf. The exposed climb up World’s End towards the end of the course will provide cyclists with fantastic views of the Welsh scenery whilst they tackle the stretch home. Much of the Etape Cymru is held in the Clwydian & Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Etape Cymru 2012 Route Profile

The famous Horseshoe Pass also makes a return to the route, with riders once again having the chance to measure their climbing ability against the best in the sport by taking part in the Horseshoe Challenge.

Chris Boardman MBE, who has used the Horseshoe Pass climb in training throughout his career, said: “The Horseshoe Pass and the surrounding area are just stunning places to ride a bike. Being fairly local, I’ve used the Horseshoe Pass throughout my career and it’s a real test of the form. It’s a tough climb that just keeps on going but the views from the top are worth it.”

He continued: “Riders of the closed-road Etape Cymru on 9th September 2012 are bound to have a great day out on the bike and will enjoy the fantastic North Wales hospitality and scenery. Good luck!”

Etape Cymru ambassador Geraint Thomas recorded a time of 14m 22s in training on the Horseshoe Pass last year, throwing down the gauntlet for all participants using the roads to train ahead of the event later this year.

“The Etape Cymru is one of the toughest closed road events in Britain and as a proud Welshman I am delighted to support it,” said Thomas. “The 92-mile route offers cyclists a challenging but fabulous opportunity to enjoy our spectacular Welsh scenery in the safety of a closed road environment.”

Thomas added: “Good luck to all the entrants, cycle hard, keep smiling and enjoy your day and the North Wales hospitality!”

The event and its road closures are supported by Wrexham and Denbighshire councils.

Mohammed Mehmet, Denbighshire County Council’s Chief Executive, said: “It’s great news that this national cycling event is returning to our county, which provides such a stunning and challenging course for participants.”

He continued: “Denbighshire in the North Wales Borderlands is already a popular destination for many thousands of outdoor activity enthusiasts, easy to reach and varied in its offer. We look forward to welcoming even more participants and spectators to the area on 9th September 2012.”

Amanda Davies of Wrexham County Borough Council, said: “Wrexham County Borough Council are happy to work with Human Race to create this national event for North Wales. Cycling has become so popular within the area and the Etape Cymru is a great way to showcase the area and wonderful scenery we are so proud to have. The Etape Cymru 2012 promises to be a great success.”

The event costs £55 per rider and entries are now open, full details can be found in our sportive calendar event listing.

We’ve been meaning to write a first timers introduction to cycle sportives since we first launched Sportive Scene but never seemed to quite find the time so we’re very pleased to welcome guest author, Thomas Dibley, Sportive Rider and Cycling Marketing Manager at Wiggle for his comprehensive guide to riding a sportive.

I’ve been riding road and mountain bikes now as what I would call an enthusiast level for almost 20 years. It started out when I bought my first mountain bike from Halfords, an Apollo that I quickly rode to destruction before saving long and hard as a kid, selling my Super Nintendo and Game Boy to be able to afford a Specialized Hardrock GSX. My love for mountain bikes soon spread to road and I would frequently be found riding all day on my road bike or out on my mountain bike.

My level of enthusiasm meant I was often riding on my own, when friends weren’t up for it whether it be a short burn or an all day ride. Although I did race from time to time on my mountain bike, I wasn’t as concerned about getting a top place as I was about having fun. I always tried to get to the top of the hills fastest though. A personal challenge and the joy of feeling that little bit smug.

Fast forward to 2012 and I’ve recently completed my 10^th Sportive ride. Sportives are mass entry bike rides that offer fun cycling along quiet, way marked roads with plenty of opportunities for rests and refuelling at supplied rest areas. This environment is perfect for offering any cyclist a personal challenge or simply a reason to get out on the bike.

Unlike racing, you can just turn up to a sportive and ride, so long as you wear a helmet and have a bike that works safely. Of course it helps a great deal if you have a bike suitable for the purpose. Every time I take a friend to a sportive, they express how much fun they had and how friendly the environment is. If you want to ride fast against the clock (you are timed for your own information) you can or just trundle along with your friends making the most of the feed stations.

Here are some commonly asked questions and answers to help guide you to riding a sportive:

Do you need to be a semi-pro to ride a sportive?
Absolutely not! You just need to enjoy riding a bike. Ride fast or ride slow, it’s totally up to you. There are no first place prizes and no last place commiserations. Most sportive rides have a target time for you to beat. Something like a Gold, Silver and Bronze time. If you wish, you can try and hit one of those time brackets, but it’s all about participation and not beating anybody.

I don’t think I can ride 100 miles, are there any short sportive rides I can enter?
Don’t worry, not all sportives are 100 miles long. Most events have multiple distances for you to complete. Most of the Sportives have at least two distances, a standard distance of around 60 miles and an Epic distance of around 90-100 miles. Many even have a short or beginner distance of about 40 miles to ride. Enter which ever distance you think is right for you. Furthermore, if 40 miles still sounds a lot, you should go and give it a go. The miles quickly pass by when you’re riding in a group or around other people and have all the time you need to do it.

Do I need to do lots of training before hand?
It’s wise to get a few rides under your belt before undertaking a big ride, but that’s why most events offer shorter options. Still, it’s wise to get used to your bike and used to sitting in the saddle for a few hours at a time.

Will any bike do the job?
In theory yes, so long as it is safe and functional. However, by the very nature of sportive rides being on the road, a proper road bike (skinny, slick tyres with dropped handlebars) is ideal, or a sporty hybrid bike as the next best. Riding a mountain bike with knobbly tyres would be arduous over the miles and make the ride feel much harder than it need be. If a mountain bike is all you have, try buying some slick mountain bike tyres and pumping them up nice and hard. That should see you by just fine.

Do I need any special clothing?
A helmet is a must. Whether you think it’s required or not, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Don’t be afraid to wear Lycra, cyclists do so for a very good reason. Lycra wicks sweat away from the skin and avoids chaffing. Paired with an antibacterial pad, a pair of padded cycling shorts and jersey will keep you comfortable for many hours in the saddle. Those wearing baggy clothing are often the odd ones out, not the other way around. But dress comfortably and sensibly and worry a little less about how you think you look. Gloves help with comfort as well as warmth, so you’ll often find cyclists wearing different kinds of gloves in the winter and in the summer. Finish off with a jacket. Weather can change quickly in big hills and exposed areas, so take a light weight shell, even on a dry day, just in case you need it.

Do I need any special equipment?
Always carry a spare inner tube or two, a patch kit, tyre levers, Allen keys and a good pump. You may think you never need them until the day you do! Other things like a cycling computer or GPS, like the Garmin Edge 200 is ideal for measuring your pace. Often event organisers may lay out the course in a downloadable GPX file that you can download to a GPS device so you know where you are against your target time. Great feature and does help improve your fitness by pushing you on.

How much does it cost to enter?
From £20-40 depending on length of ride and what’s included. £25-£30 is the most common rate but some more prestigious rides, like the Wiggle Dragon Ride may charge a little bit more for a much larger event, often with closed roads.

Do I need to book?
It’s normally a good idea. Most sportive rides can take entries on the day, but are often limited by local councils and facilities as to the number of participants, so it’s wise to book ahead of time if you can just in case. You normally get an incentive for doing so, like a box of energy bars and gels.

Where can I find an event near me?
A quick Google search will locate many events up and down the country, but it’s always worth visiting the Wiggle cycling events page where you can see all the latest Wiggle Super Series events taking place throughout the year.

I’m a mountain biker, are there any off road versions of a sportive?
There sure are, many event organisers also have an off road events calendar.

Entries are now open for the 2012 Tour Rides giving amataur cyclists a chance to ride some of the same routes that the professionals will ride during the Tour of Britain.  A total of five rides are planned for 2012, in addition to the four Rides in East Anglia (22nd July), Wales (12th August), Scotland (26th August) and Stoke-on-Trent (23rd September) there will also be a season closing Tour Ride at the Cycle Show at Birmingham’s NEC.

From The Tour’s longest stage in East Anglia, which will decide the destination of the first IG Markets Gold Jersey of 2012, to the challenging ŠKODA King of the Mountains climbs of Caerphilly Mountain in Wales and Gun Hill in the Staffordshire Moorlands, amateur cyclists will be able to experience them all in a Tour Ride.

The Tour of Britain’s opening stage from Ipswich to the Norfolk Showground will be the venue for the first Tour Ride of 2012 on Sunday 22nd July, giving amateur cyclists the chance to experience the full 200 kilometre route of Stage One of Britain’s biggest professional cycle race in The Tour Ride East Anglia.

Wales and Scotland both host Tour Rides during August, with each route a circular ride taking in the best of each country’s Tour of Britain stage.

The challenge of Caerphilly Mountain headlines The Tour Ride Wales, which starts and finishes outside Caerphilly Castle on Sunday 12th August, while Dumfries will host The Tour Ride Scotland on Sunday 26th August, which focuses on the Dumfries & Galloway roads that will be decisive in Stage Three of The Tour of Britain.

Two Tour Rides take place in September, with The Stoke-on-Trent Ride continuing in its traditional date of the first Sunday following The Tour of Britain (Sunday 23rd September). The most popular of The Tour Rides, the Stoke-on-Trent event has attracted 2,000 cyclists in each of the past two years.

As a part of the ‘Summer of Cycling’, the fifth and final Tour Ride of 2012 will take place at the Cycle Show at Birmingham’s NEC on Sunday 30th September.

As a part of the partnership with the Cycle Show organisers, riders signing up for any of the 2012 Tour Rides will receive 50% off entry into the Cycle Show, while all those registering for The Tour Ride Cycle Show Sportive will also receive a voucher for a 50% discount on car parking at the NEC in their rider pack.

Cyclists will have the choice of a full distance Pro Ride on every route, plus a shorter half-distance Challenge Ride to keep the events accessible to all ages and abilities of cyclist. Details of shorter Family Ride, which return in 2012, in both Scotland and East Anglia, will be announced soon.

With registrations open, the first 100 riders signing up to each Tour Ride will receive a code to redeem for a free OneLife Active iD lifestyle wristband, while all other registrants will receive a discount code entitling them to a discount on the innovative interactive sports identity and emergency wristband.

Entrants into every Tour Ride will receive the full professional experience, from full neutral service support from Tour of Britain Official Partners Specialized to enjoying the benefits of National Escort Group motorcycle outriders along each route.

The Tour Rides will continue to build their reputation for feed stations fully stocked with high-quality products, led by The Tour’s new Official Nutrition Supplier Maxifuel, who will be providing nutritional advice and support to participants, while Official Suppliers Highland Spring and Soreen will continue to supply their popular products to all riders.

To celebrate the success of our British riders at the Giro d’Italia organisers of the Prostate Cance Charity Jurassic Classic sportive are  giving away a jersey signed by Geraint Thomas. The jersey is a replica of the Tour of Britain points jersey that Thomas won in 2011.

To be in with a chance of winning all you need to do is register to take part in the brand new cycling event the Wiggle Jurassic Classic . The competition closes on Sunday 27th May so you’ll need to enter soon and use enter the code GERAINT to be in with a chance of winning.

The Jurassic Classic takes place on Sunday 8th July and offers two distances of 100 km or 100 miles, starting and finishing in Exmouth. Soak up the atmosphere in the events village where you’ll be met with food, drink, live music and entertainment.

Full event details can be found in our sportive calendar listing -

Jurassic Classic 2012

A bumper calendar of cycle sportive events are taking place this weekend and plenty of choice for both Saturday and Sunday rides. Amongst others Sunday sees what is our canditate for one of the toughest events of the year, the Fred Whitton Challenge, taking riders on a 112 mile tour around some of the toughest climbs in the Lake District as well as the hugely popular Etape Caledonia closed road event with it’s 6,000 riders returning for it’s sixth year.

Some new events also take place this weekend with the running of the Manchester-Chester-Manchester Cyclosportive on Saturday and the Borders Ciclista in the Scottish Borders on Sunday.

A final mention goes to the Wiggle Jurrassic Beast, we rode this event last year and can vouch for it’s claim to have some of the best vistas out of all the UK’s sportives, it’s also surprisingly hilly too so is a nice combination of a challenging route set in some great coastal scenery.

The Lincoln Grand Prix Sportive – 12th May 2012

The Lincoln Grand Prix race weekend kicks off on the Saturday with the Lincoln Grand Prix Sportive, a choice of two routes through the challenging Lincolnshire Wolds, more…

Tour of Pembrokeshire – 12th May 2012

Now in it’s fifth year of running offering cyclists a choice of 3 route distances ranging from 63 to 117 miles around the scenic Pembrokeshire countryside, more…

The Hard Man Sportive – 12th May 2012

Organised by Red Kite Events, a choice of challengine 60 and 100 mile options suitable for road and cross bikes starting from Llanwrtyd Wells, more…

Bealach Beag Sportive – 12th May 2012

Bealach is the UK’s biggest road climb at 2053ft (626m) from sea level in just 6mls (10k). It is set in a fabulous unspoilt landscape with outstanding views of the sea and the hills, more…

Manchster Chester Manchester Cyclosportive – 12th May 2012

A new event for 2012, a choice of 3 routes (30 miles 60 miles and 100 miles) designed by experienced local club cyclists, more…

Suffolk Sunrise 100 – 13th May 2012

Charity event raising money for Action Medical Research offers a choice of 100 miles or 100km routes starting and finishing at Woodbridge Town Football Club, more…

The Fred Whitton Challenge – 13th May 2012

A gruelling 112 mile sportive run in memory of Fred Whitton, including the climbs of Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter, Hardknott & Wrynose passes, more…

Etape Caledonia – 13th May 2012 – SOLD OUT

Now in it’s sixth year and looks to be another sell out in 2012 with 6,000 riders already pre registering an interest for the 5,000 places, more…

Diva 100 Sussex – 13th May 2012

Join Davina McCall for the DIVA 100 for what has become one of the biggest, women-only cycle events in the UK, more…

Evans Cycles Ride It Bristol – 13th May 2012

A choice of 4 route distances on offer from 12 to 90 miles heading out from Wooton-under-Edge and into the country lanes of the Cotswolds, more…

Wiggle Jurassic Beast – 13th May 2012

Set along Dorset’s historic Jurassic Coastline and promising some of the best vistas out of all the UK’s sportives, with views of Corfe Castle, Lulworth Cove and Poole Harbour, more…

Hampshire Hilly Hundred – 13th May 2012

Now in its seventh year, starting near Winchester the demanding 100 mile course features 20 significant climbs and over 2000m of ascent, more…

The Wyre Forest Stinger – 13th May 2012

Billed as a Family Sportive, starting in Stourport-on-Severn the organisers will also be holding Go Race / Youth events on our track on the day, more…

May Flyer SWRC – Altura Sportive Series – 13th May 2012

A choice of two routes, the 80km ‘Flyer’ route meanders around the North Downs while the 147km ‘Flyer Challenge’ crosses the North Downs on the way to Amberley in Sussex, more…

Borders Ciclista – 13th May 2012

A new cycle sportive event based in the Scottish Borders, admire the fanstic scenary on offer while testing yourself over 76 miles, including a handful of tough climbs and blistering discents, more…

£10 OFF £75.00, £15 OFF £100 OR 10% OFF BIKES AT WIGGLE CYCLES

Below are the latest discount codes for Wiggle Cycles, these codes are valid from now until 2pm on the 14th May 2012 and will get youy £10 off orders over £75, £15 off orders over £100 or 10% off 2012 model bikes.

For £10 off when you Spend £75 enter the following discount code -

10-OFF

For £15 off when you spend £100 enter the following discount code -

15-OFF

For 10% off 2012 Bikes enter the following discount code -

EXTRA10

These codes are for use at -

Wiggle Cycles

Terms and conditions apply and these can be found at – T&C’s

Evans Cycles are offering cycling enthusiasts the chance to hear Russell Downing of Endura Racing talk about life in the saddle on the international road race scene in an exclusive question and answer session at their new Edinburgh store.

The talk takes place on Thursday 10th May at 4:30 to 5:30pm and is free to attend. It’s worth arriving early as the  first 30 guests through the door will receive an exclusive Endura musette bag.

Russell Downing, Endura Racing rider and former British Champ, talks about life in one of the hottest British race teams around in our new Edinburgh store. Back in Endura home waters, Russ will be talking candidly about his trials and triumphs of competing at the top of his game on the international race scene. Having recently won the GP Lillers 174km route in northern France and with a proven record of winning races both in the UK and abroad, Russ is a true inspiration for anyone with an interest in road cycling.

Details on how to get to the Edinburgh store can be found at the following link -

Evans Cycles Edinburgh