Sportives are thin on the ground at this time of year, but worry not and put away that turbo trainer (or leave it in the garage where it’s always been) and take a ferry to the Isle of Wight for the Wiggle Super Series Wight Winter Sportive. There are two route distances on offer, the ‘Standard’ 42miler and the ‘Epic’ 61mile option – both starting and finishing from just outside Yarmouth ferry terminal.
Rides start with an anticlockwise direction towards the colourful cliffs of Alum bay and the Needles, picking up the military road with its dramatic cliff-side views, then throwing in a couple of big climbs before heading towards the centre of the island. Rolling hills and spectacular views are compliment with ‘festive’ feed stations with mince pies and hot drinks (but no mulled wine, boo!)
Entry for both the ‘Epic’ and ‘Standard’ including ferry is £39 (£28 without ferry) and you can expect all the usual niceties – full route marking, mech support, chip timing – which come with the Wiggle know-how. Details and online entry at ukcyclingevents.co.uk
