News: 2018 Mens Tour of Sussex

The Men’s Tour of Sussex stage race, currently in its sixth year, is delighted to announce the 2018 stage by stage route.

News: 2018 Mens Tour of Sussex

July 5th-8th

With thanks to our partners, Orro Bikes and Brewin Dolphin, Three Sixty Sport are excited to be back in 2018 with new routes and events to add to the flavour of our celebration of cycling in Sussex.

Stage 1: Ditchling Beacon, Individual Time Trial – July 5th
The 80 riders will be tackling one of the most famous ascents in the UK – Ditchling Beacon, and with thanks to Lewes District, will be racing on a closed road. With the individual time trial deciding the initial race leader (to be awarded the coveted yellow jersey), this will be hard fought.

Starting from the edge of Ditchling Village and finishing at the top of the Beacon, Stage One will test the legs of even the hardiest rider. The question is, how many will break the climbs magic 4 minute barrier? This will be one of the best stages for the spectators, as each rider will make their way alone to the summit, suffering all the way in their quest for yellow.

Stage 2: Beachy Head, Road Race – July 6th
The second stage will be the start of the real hostilities at this year’s Tour of Sussex; held on one of the toughest courses in the country, Beachy Head. With the beautiful backdrop of the South Downs National Park, and starting by the sea in the sunshine capital of the UK, Eastbourne, our riders will face a true test of their metal.

Climbing out of Eastbourne, the race will be blown apart from the gun. With the yellow jersey hopefuls pushing on, and other riders in their wake fighting to make the finish. Just to get through the first two miles of this stage is an achievement for most, but not our competitors.

Racing onto the open headland and into the elements, this route is never easy. Hot sun is cruel and difficult, and it turns very bleak if the weather closes in, with cross winds playing a significant role in race tactics. Speeding through Birling Gap and onto the main climb, our protagonists will need to focus as they climb back up to Beachy Head for the first of many laps.
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Stage 3: Staplefield, Road Race – July 7th
Stage 3 of this year’s Tour of Sussex visits the renowned Staplefield to Handcross circuit. A tough race here, which will likely see the yellow jersey wearer attacked from the gun. This could be the last time our contenders have a chance to take the jersey away, and with the chance to parade it at Goodwood the following morning. With the last of the climbing, any riders hoping to win out on the hills and gain time will be looking to make an impact on this stage.

Stage 4: Goodwood Motor Circuit, Team Time Trial Sunday, July 8th sees Stage 4 of the Tour of Sussex visit a landmark of West Sussex; Goodwood Motor Circuit – home of the Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival.

For 2018, the Team Time Trial will visit Goodwood Motor Circuit. A team time trial requires each rider to work in unison with his team mates, gaining the fastest time to win the stage, and potentially put a rider in the yellow. Pitching the teams against each other in a short, intense battle, creates a unique spectacle. The Yellow Jersey will need his team to take him all the way to a fast time, to retain his lead of the race.

To win a team time trial takes practice – lots of practice – as the team’s time will be taken on the third rider to cross the line.

Stage 5: Goodwood Motor Circuit, Road Race – Sunday, July 8th Stage five of the Tour of Sussex revisits the motor circuit, racing in the wheel tracks of the famous Giuseppe Saronni, who was once crowned World Professional Road Race Champion here in 1982.

In second place, was none other than multiple Tour de France winner, Greg Lemond. This stage will be fast, with time bonuses and points available throughout. Will the Yellow Jersey survive the high-speed onslaught?

Tour of Sussex: Sportive, sponsored by Orro Bikes
New for 2018, leaving before Stage 4 of the Men’s Tour of Sussex. The Orro Bikes Sportive starts with a lap of Goodwood Motor Circuit, then follows a scenic route out of Goodwood to explore the beautiful Sussex countryside.

Our Sportive route consists of a challenging yet achievable 55-mile route using mostly quiet country lanes, and arriving back in time for the final stage of the Men’s Tour of Sussex, why not make a day of it.

With all the Goodwood Motor Circuit facilities open, there is plenty of time to complete the sportive at a good pace and grab a beer with lunch. Or maybe even have a picnic and watch the days racing with your family and friends. Our free to all ‘come and ride event’ also promises to be exciting. Support Races and ‘Come and Ride’ on Goodwood Motor Circuit

Through the day (Sunday, July 8th 2018) we are also hosting a selection of support races and an open to the public ‘Come and Ride’ around Goodwood Motor Circuit, even more reason to make a day of it. With thanks to our event partners, Orro Bikes and Brewin Dolphin. Further thanks to Milltag, Project 51 Race Timing, Velopace, Goodwood Motor Circuit, Lewes District Council and Eastbourne Council.