Southern Sportive 2012

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EVENT DATE

Sunday 9th September 2012

LOCATION

Petersfield, Hampshire

EVENT SUMMARY

The Southern Sportive is a fantastic 155k road challenge event that takes in the best road climbs the South Downs has to offer. And with 112k mid and 71k short options, the event is open to a wide range of riders and abilities.

Now with the added challenge of the Wilier Gauntlet; a testing 35km extension to the classic Southern Sportive course that bringe the total ride up into the 200km super sportive bracket.

ROUTE INFORMATION

A choice of 3 route options are available –

  • Wilier Gauntlet – 119 miles (192km) with a height gain of 2860m
  • Full – 96 miles (155km) with a height gain of 2250m
  • Midi – 69 miles (112km) with a height gain of 1615m
  • Short – 44 miles (71km) with a height gain of 1056m

“The route was the first to take advantage of this stunning corner of the South Downs, and has been widely praised by riders and press alike for both it’s beauty and flowing ride characteristics. We describe it as a true riders course, and you generally seem to agree.

Rolling out of the little market town of Petersfield, the route gives you just a few miles warm up before turning you up the first of three ascents of the Downs from the north. Buriton Hill is the shortest of these, but steep enough to sting. From here, you will wind your way eastwards in a sweeping zig-zag that brings you to the loftier challenges of Harting Hill and Duncton Hill respectively.

Beyond Duncton Hill, the course turns westward to track the ridge from the south and head you back towards the finish. There’s still a lot of riding to do, with climbs over Goodwood to tackle before you descend to Rowlands Castle, the lowest point of the course, practically at sea level. The biggest unbroken climbs of the day are behind you, but now you face the ascent from the lowest to highest points of the route with just a couple of brief respites to catch your breath.

Your reward at the top is the scalp of old Winchester Hill, one of the finest views in the south of England and the chance to lose most of the height you’ve just gained in no time at all. You have just one more assault of the hill to face; a punishing but pretty climb to the old HMS Mercury training base that will test what’s left in your legs, before you can wind your way down through the lovely Meon Valley and cruise back into Petersfield, where your hard earned finishers tea, cake and t shirt await.”

EVENT FACILITIES

  • Choice of waymarked routes
  • Electronic timing
  • Feed Stations
  • Free SIS energy drink
  • Mechanic support
  • Broom wagon
  • On site catering

START LOCATION

Churcher’s College
Ramshill
Petersfield
GU31 4AS

Map

ENTRY DETAILS

Website entry – Yes (entry webpage)

Postal entry – Yes (entry form)

ENTRY PRICES

  • Wilier Gauntlet – £27.00 per rider
  • Full Distance – £26.00 per rider
  • Mid Distance – £25.00 per rider
  • Short Distance – £24.00 per rider

ORGANISER’S WEBSITE

Southern Sportive