News: Witches’ Curse Sportive

One for the climbers – 7500 feet of climbing in 68 miles – Clitheroe, 9th September

CTC, the national cycling charity, have made their next Challenge Ride and Sportive event one for the climbers with over 7500 feet of climbing in 68 miles. The Sensa Bikes Witches’ Curse sportive, postponed earlier in the year due to bad weather, takes place from Clitheroe, Lancashire, on Sunday 9th September and promises be one for the climbers.

Two distances are available, with 68 mile and 45 mile routes taking in some of the best climbs in the area. Both routes head out in a clockwise direction from Clitheroe town centre and take in the infamous climb of Nick O’Pendle and several other Pendle Hills before the routes split at Low Moor. From here the short route heads back to the finish while the longer route continues to Longridge and Hallgate Hill before returning via Waddington to the finish.

The long route at 68 miles may seem short for a sportive but with 7500feet of climbing this is a frightening test for even the best climbers. There are 15 recognised climbs on the long route, all named so you know which ones to moan about afterwards, while even the short route at 45 miles is a tough test packing in nearly 5000feet of climbing. The routes have been designed so that you are never more than 10 miles from the finish in case you decide it’s too much.

The start and finish is the Market Square in Clitheroe town centre and registration follows the old continental traditions of signing on in the local cafe in Blueberries. Both routes will be fully signed, timed, mechanical support on route and at the HQ, broom wagon, feed stops and free food on your return to the finish. Merlin Cycles will be present with their new range of Sensa Bikes for riders to demo and will also be providing mechanical support at the start / finish area.

The Shimano Test Wheel Fleet will be at the event giving entrants an opportunity to try out Shimano’s top end wheels during the sportive for free. Just register via the website and you may be lucky enough to get your choice of Shimano wheels for the ride. For more details see the separate registration page.

Entry fees:
CTC member £17.00
Non member £27.00
Teams of four £60.00
For more information and to enter on line please visit www.ctcchallengerides.co.uk or follow us on Twitter @CTC_Challenge