Celebrating its 11th year in 2017, the Wiggle MagnifiCat sportive has gained the reputation of a prestigious event and a formidable challenge. Welding together the rolling Hampshire countryside and classic climbs on the South Downs, this event is one of a carefully picked few that should find its place on every serious cyclist’s ‘to do’ list. Play Costa del Cash online if you need a budget boost to get a new bike for this magnificent event!

Routes

There are four route options:

• Black (£40), 125 miles. Difficulty rating: 10/10. Elevation Gain: 7801 ft.
• Epic (£35), 100 miles. Difficulty rating: 9/10. Elevation Gain: 6233 ft.
• Standard (£35), 66 miles. Difficulty rating: 8/10. Elevation Gain: 3579 ft.
• Short (£26), 30 miles. Difficulty rating: 6/10. Elevation Gain: 1637 ft.

The Black route is the longest one of the MagnifiCat and one of their oldest events. It will take you over more than 7000 ft of hill climbing challenge. There’s enough action in this ride to keep your legs busy – and the most challenging of them all can be completed first: the long stretch from Combe to Ibthorpe. Once this is over with, you’ll plunge back down to the level from which you’ve just climbed, before another steep test just after the 20-mile marker.

The terrain tends to settle after this for a while, albeit with consistent rolling roads, but there are more great climbs to come. In fact, there are nine major climbs in all on this route.

Moving around the western outskirts of Andover, you’ll pass over the top of Winchester and head south, stretching out the loop until it’s time to head north and back towards the Basingstoke and Deane district. Don’t be deceived by the lack of climbs on this part of the route – there’s enough here to make for a fast and technical sportive.

Even if you are not in the mood for steep uphill cycling, you can still choose the short route and enjoy the scenery of the picturesque Berkshire Downs; part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding natural beauty. The route will first take you eastward, with the height gradually increasing for the first ten miles. After the picturesque village of Yattendon you will continue to the north-west, through Ashampstead, Compton and East Ilsley. A few miles after Farnborough you will head south for a relaxing ride downwards through nature after conquering the highest peak on the way.

Event Info

Online entry closes on Thursday 6th July 2017 at 1 pm. If the routes are not sold out, you can also enter this event on the day, for an additional £5.00 per person fee.

Registration opens on Sunday 9 July at 7:00 am and the start time is 7:15 – 9.00am at Newbury Showground, Priors Court, Berkshire.

Children under 16 do not pay an entrance fee. You will also get a 20% discount if you ride in a group of 4 or more.

Don’t forget to bring your helmet and enjoy the ride!