Chiltern Cycling Festival 2014

John Mx/PR

Sportive rides and cycle events feature

The Chiltern Cycling Festival to be held on Sunday 13th July, 2014 features a number events including sportives.

Three sportive routes are on offer, with one specially tailored for pre-1989 classic bikes and is held just days before L’Etape and the Prudential Ride London events. A fourth ride is designed for all the family including a Concours d’Elegance ride through town.

The three main courses are designed to test even the fittest riders. Chief route designer Andy Coles of Allez Sportives says “we know that people want different things from sportives – but common to all is the fact that riders are happiest if they know they’ve been given the chance to ride to their full potential” he continues “We have been working with 3 Legs Cycling the company that produces training DVDs with the isle of Mans best riders behind it – they know about training & motivation and they also know about keeping things simple to get best results. We have applied much of their advice – for example we know most of our sportive riders have 9-5 jobs so training and fitness levels vary – we have come up with routes for every level. We know the best motivator is to choose the “right challenge” for your cycling ability. and we also know you want it hassle free, from sign on to feed stations we make it as easy as possible so you can focus on the challenge ahead and really enjoy the big day” All entrants will receive a free online training session with 3LC.tv to help them prepare for the challenge ahead.

OPTION 1
The Amersham – Brill – Amersham has a 100km and 100mile options, both have plenty of climbing with some of the toughest ascents in the region being covered, so riders will be grateful for the fully signed routes, feed zones and technical support on offer. Starting just 20 miles north of London in the picturesque market town the event is a great mid season target and a really good test for anyone looking to build fitness in 2014.

OPTION 2
If you are looking for a good measure of your climbing skills then The Rectory Hill Climb which will be the last event of the festival & will seperate the men from the boys. With the ‘head to head’ format for the fastest climbers it’s going to be a real highlight of the day and with £1000+ worth of prizes on offer from SOLO race bred clothing – the King of the Chilterns Jersey is going to be hotly contested.

Hill Climb Or Vintage ride the Festival has something for every cyclist.

OPTION 3
If you want a great ride but at a slightly more leisurely pace then try the Amersham Classic, this retro inspired 30 miler is going to be fantastic fun with riders entering into the spirit of racings Golden eras. An intentionally open rule book means the organisers simply ask that bikes are pre 1989ish! and clothing is in keeping with the vintage feel. “Retro inspired” is how the organisers describes it, ….expect loads of steel, lashings of chrome and a little wool” Be warned the route does still climb Whiteleaf Hill at half way and has a little sting in the tail about 5 miles before it finishes so plenty to challenge if you really want to push yourselves.

OPTION 4 – for all the family
The Concours d’Elegance ride of approx 5km takes place in the afternoon. Following their earlier exertions riders will be able to join forces with other entrants and vintage team cars in a leisurely parade around Amersham Old Town. They will be informally judged on bikes, deportment and the style that best reflects cycling’s golden eras, with podium presentations for all winners.

Younger cyclists can also take part in British Cycling Go Ride races and skills events and for the next generation of Sir Chris Hoys and Wiggos the Baby Velodrome will put on a series of MTB and balance bike races for toddlers and under-6s. An Italian market, local produce, gourmet food as well as vintage stalls, music, Live tour de france (showing the first high mountain stage 9!) great pubs and even a cycling-inspired art exhibition will all feature and are located beside the start and finish lines.

Easily accessible from Central London, the Festival promises to be a fantastic summer’s day out and an annual date for your diary.

View the CCF video

– FREE online training session with 3LC.tv
– Amersham – Brill – Amersham 100mile & 100km sportive rides with over 5000ft of climbing
– The Rectory Hill Climb Head-to-head knock-out competition
– The Amersham Classic Vintage-inspired ‘Golden Era’ 30mile sportive
– Perfect Preperation – 1 week before L’Etape & 3 weeks before Prudential Ride London
– LIVE Tour de France …alongside Bike expo, Art exhibition, Retro stalls, gourmet food, local produce and so much more.

Chiltern Cycling Festival website