The Squires and Spires Cyclosportive takes place on May 4, through the rolling Northamptonshire countryside; it runs through many beautiful history-steeped villages, passed ancient churches and through areas famous from English Civil War history. With two routes available – The Duchess (100miles) and The Maid (50miles) – it takes riders on a tour past numerous country houses, including Althorpe House (home of the Spencer family and resting place of Princess Diana) and Cottesbrooke Hall, the inspiration for Jane Austen’s ‘Mansfield Park’. Despite Northamptonshire’s reputation for being somewhat less than mountainous, don’t underestimate how tough sections of these routes can be, especially in their final third when legs are already sapped.
Race HQ is at Naseby Village Hall (map here), with an 8.30-9.30am start. All entrants receive a Just Racing technical t-shirt, energy drinks/bars/gels from sponsors USN at the feed stations, a full selection of sweet and savoury snacks, medical support and sweep vehicles.
Entry fee to the Squires and Spires Cyclosportive is £25, with entry closing on April 29. Full details and online entry at justracinguk.com
