Preview: Highclere Castle Sportive...

This year’s anti-clockwise 184km/115mile course takes the Victor Ludorum sportive challenge to new levels. Last year the main comment from finishing riders was “ it was impossible to settle into a rhythm”. And the same can be expected this year! It aims to test every facet of your ability to judge pace, endurance and climbing in the beautiful rolling countryside of Hampshire.

The course leaves Highclere Castle grounds via Beacon Hill gate and heads for the steepest climb up Walbury Hill. The course continues along the beautiful Test valley to Stockbridge before the sustained climb over Stockbridge Down. Enjoy the rolling Wolds that follow to the first main control at Sparsholt, Nr Winchester (67km).

The second leg will test your mettle to ride the South Downs. Take advantage of the initial section to Twyford Down. The South Downs approach with a steady climb onto the ridge. Follow the ridge, descend to Droxford, attack the Downs up Old Winchester Hill before descending to East Meon and recovering to the second main control at Stroud, Nr Petersfield. (50km).

The third leg starts with an aggressive double-decker climb over re-opened Stoner Hill and continues to Medstead and across the Candovers to North Waltham. At 100+miles get ready to start the 5km drag climb to Hannington - it’s going to hurt! Highclere is looming but not before White Hill and Watership Down; re-enter Highclere Castle grounds for that grand finale (67km)...