Big wide smooth roads, twisty quiet lanes, steep climbs, flowing descents, fantastic views and a gorgeous Cotswold setting; The Cotswold Edge Sportive, organised by Southern Sportive, looks to have it all. Thee choices of route are on offer here – 73km with 1225m of climb, 101km with 1500m of climb and the monster 128km with 2050m of climb – each hitting a maximum gradient of 16% and all staring from the quiet village of Hawkesbury Upton in South Gloucestershire. For those looking to really test their legs there is the option of taking on the 1:5 (20%) climb of Kilcott Hill (imaginatively dubbed ‘the Kilcott Killer’), just a short detour away from the finish line…
In addition to mechanical and first aid support (plus sweeper waggon) entrants get a free energy drink and an allocation of energy snacks at the feed stations – two on the full and mid routes, one on the shorter route – plus electronic timing and, naturally, comprehensive and clearly marked routes. Registration opens at 8am with riders off between 8.30 and 10am depending on course chosen. Entry fees are £16, £17 and £19 for the three route lengths with full details and online entry at southernsportive.com
