The Tour de France is an annual men’s multiple stage bicycle race primarily held in France, while also occasionally passing through nearby countries. Like the other Grand Tours (the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a España), it consists of 21 day-long stages over the course of 23 days. It has been described as “the world’s most prestigious and most difficult bicycle race.”
The race was first organized in 1903 to increase sales for the newspaper L’Auto and is currently run by the Amaury Sport Organisation. The race has been held annually since its first edition in 1903 except when it was stopped for the two World Wars. As the Tour gained prominence and popularity, the race was lengthened and its reach began to extend around the globe. Participation expanded from a primarily French field, as riders from all over the world began to participate in the race each year. The Tour is a UCI World Tour event, which means that the teams that compete in the race are mostly UCI WorldTeams, with the exception of the teams that the organizers invite. It has become “the world’s biggest annual sporting event.” A women’s Tour de France was held under different names between 1984 and 2009. Since 2014, the La Course by Le Tour de France is held for women in a one- or two-day format during the men’s race.
Traditionally, the race is held primarily in the month of July. While the route changes each year, the format of the race stays the same with the appearance of time trials, the passage through the mountain chains of the Pyrenees and the Alps, and the finish on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. The modern editions of the Tour de France consist of 21 day-long segments (stages) over a 23-day period and cover around 3,500 kilometres (2,200 mi). The race alternates between clockwise and counterclockwise circuits of France.
BEYOND WALES SPORTIVE
Wales is an impressive place to cycle, not just for its Mountains but also its Towns and Villages.
This event has some flat spots and will mostly be about the tough climbs with sections above 10% and sometimes well above it. The respite comes in the descents.
However, there is still wonder to behold in the rivers and forests we pass along our route.
With aid stations and on course support, you ride, we will help you finish.
Starting and finishing at The Brecon Showground, Brecon Beacons National park.
With aid stations and on course support, you ride, we will help you finish.
All routes will start and finish at Brecon Showground, Brecon, and we have tried to make the whole route as open and free flowing as we could.
Come join us for a smile that will last for weeks.
WALES SPORTIVE:
The event centre location is at
Brecon Showground
- Free parking (Parking is next to the event centre and registration)
- Toilets (portaloos)
- Pre and Post event massage (Fee payable).
- Hot and Cold drinks and small snacks (Fee payable)
We will have the finest coffee house serving Hot drinks, snacks, please bring some change as we are not sure about the mobile networks for card payments.
ROUTES AVAILABLE:
LONG ROUTE 165 km or 102 Miles
MEDIUM ROUTE 101 km or 62 Miles
SHORT ROUTE 58 km or 36 Miles
BEYOND YORKSHIRE SPORTIVE
Yorkshire is home to outstanding scenery, great castles, abbeys and a breathtakingly peaceful atmosphere.
Each route will weave through stunning, massively varied scenery and historical landscapes creating an experience to be remembered.
This is a great ride to give a varied profile, some ups, plenty of downs and spectacular Yorkshire scenery.
With aid stations and on course support, you ride, we will help you finish.
Starting and finishing just on the outskirts of Wetherby at Wetherby racecourse.
Come join us for a smile that will last for weeks.
YORKSHIRE SPORTIVE:
All routes will start and finish at Wetherby racecourse and we have tried to make the whole route as open and free flowing as we could.
The event centre location is at
Wetherby racecourse
- Free parking (Parking is next to the event centre and registration)
- Toilets (portaloos)
- Pre and Post event massage (Fee payable).
- Hot and Cold drinks and small snacks (Fee payable)
We will have the finest coffee house serving Hot drinks, snacks, please bring some change as we are not sure about the mobile networks for card payments.
ROUTES AVAILABLE:
LONG ROUTE 160 km or 100 Miles
MEDIUM ROUTE 101 km or 62 Miles
SHORT ROUTE 58 km or 36 Miles
Join us for a weekend riding the Liege Bastogne Liege Challenge on the Saturday ahead of watching the professionals on the Sunday. Cross the official finish-line on Sunday, on the same days as the Pros just hours before they finish.
ROUTE
The ultimate challenge consists in riding the same course as the professionals (250km) but both intermediary routes (147km & 70km) will also leave you plenty of opportunities to get accustomed to the legendary climbs of Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Follow in the footsteps of Primoz Roglic, Philippe Gilbert, Jakob Fuglsang, Alejandro Valverde, Bernard Hinault and other top riders, and add Liège-Bastogne-Liège to your own list of achievements!
Head to the south of France to experience a unique cycle race, the Paris-Nice Challenge, under the same conditions as professional cyclists: the same route, the same distance… 124 km, of which 2,300 metres of uphill riding! Be the trailblazer on roads open to traffic (but under the best possible safety conditions) in an idyllic setting, with an unbeatable view of the Mediterranean sea. Perhaps you have always dreamed of racing like a professional cyclist? This is your chance – it’s now or never!
125
Distance (Km)
2 300
Positive gradient (m)
2
Mountain passes
The 2022 Paris-Roubaix Challenge takes place on Saturday 9 April 2022. Ride most of the Paris – Roubaix route including all of the cobbles. The professionals will tackle the same roads the day after on Sunday 10 April 2022.
THE LEGEND OF THE HELL OF THE NORTH
Like the Paris-Nice Challenge and the Liège-Bastogne-Liège Challenge, the Paris-Roubaix Challenge offers amateur cyclists the possibility of getting as close as possible to a legendary professional race: Paris-Roubaix.
24 hours before the professionals, amateurs from around the world will have the opportunity to measure themselves against the legend of the Hell of the North with its mythical cobbled sections like the “Carrefour de l’Arbre” or the “Trouée d’Arenberg”.
There are three increasingly difficult routes on offer, on roads which are open to traffic but secured by numerous volunteers and motorcyclists. There is a legendary race for everyone, covering distances from 70km to 172km.
A SPORTING CHALLENGE AND A HUMAN ADVENTURE
You’ll have to tackle the most legendary cobbled sections in the world on your own. But the real spirit of the Paris-Roubaix Challenge is to take up the challenge with friends and to cross the finish line at the velodrome in Roubaix together. The shared experience can continue the next day as you cheer on the best cyclists in the world, fighting it out to ensure their name goes down among the winners of Paris-Roubaix.
Pedal for Parkinson’s Stirling
Take on a 100, 50 or 25 mile cycle for Parkinson’s UK.
Take on a 100, 50 or 25 mile cycle and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Trossachs National Park. Both the 100 and 50 mile routes contain a mixture of tricky climbs and fast descents which are sure to be a challenge. Hills aren’t your friend? Take it easy with our flat 25 mile course ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a beautiful bike ride with friends and family.
Routes:
But don’t just take our word for it, why not have a look at our 100 mile, 50 mile and 25 mile routes.
Pedal For Parkinsons Stirling 2021 100 Miles
LENGTH 158.904 km
ASCENT 2141m (13.5 m per km)
Pedal For Parkinsons Stirling 2021 50 Miles
LENGTH 79.660 km
ASCENT 913m (11.5 m per km)
Pedal For Parkinsons Stirling 2021 25 Miles
LENGTH 40.254 km
ASCENT 233m (5.8 m per km)
Parkinson’s UK manages your booking, administration and sponsorship money.
Course routes, safety and logistics are planned and managed in collaboration with True Grit Events who draw on many years of experience planning and delivering a variety of outdoor events.
The Bealach is the UK’s biggest road climb with an ascent of 626m from sea level in just 10km. It is set in a fabulous unspoilt landscape with outstanding views of the sea and hills. The Applecross Peninsula is renowned as a gem in Scotland’s crown of natural wonders. The idea of a sportive belongs to local cycling legend Clifford Davidson.
The event was first run in the summer of 2006 and it was immediately obvious that had captured the imagination of cyclists of all standards. Shortly after, due to demand, we introduced a 2nd shorter option which also included the opportunity to climb the big one! Bealach Mor retains the original route of 90 miles and the Bealach Beag introduced a shorter distance of 43 miles.
72KM
1426M OF ASCENT
The route will take you south east from the picturesque village of Shieldaig down through Glen Shieldaig to Tornapress. Things get tough now as the road swings sharply upward for the main climb to Bealach-na-Ba. The section of road from Tornapress up the Bealach and down to Applecross campsite is closed for the event. The reward is great as a massive vista over the west coast and the Isle of Skye opens before you as you plunge down to sea level again at Applecross. The hard work is not over as the next section around the north of the peninsula has hardly any flat as it clings to the coast, past rocky cliffs and sandy coves. Finally you return to charming Sheildaig nestling in the shelter of its loch. There the enthusiastic locals will assure you a warm highland welcome (and some good grub!)
The Bealach is the UK’s biggest road climb with a 626m ascent from sea level in just 10km. It is set in a fabulous unspoilt landscape with outstanding views of the sea and the hills. The Applecross Peninsula is renowned as a gem in Scotland’s crown of natural wonders. The 78km route will take you south east from the picturesque village of Shieldaig down through Glen Shieldaig to Tornapress.
Things get tough now as the road swings sharply upward for the main climb to Bealach-na-Ba. The section of road from Tornapress up the Bealach and down to Applecross campsite is closed for the event.
The reward is great as a massive vista over the west coast and the Isle of Skye opens before you as you plunge down to sea level again at Applecross. The hard work is not over as the next section around the north of the peninsula has hardly any flat as it clings to the coast, past rocky cliffs and sandy coves. Finally you return to charming Sheildaig nestling in the shelter of its loch. You are assured of a warm highland welcome (and some good grub!) from the locals.
There will be a timing station at the bottom of the Bealach and another at the top. If you want your time on the climb recorded and be eligible to compete to become the Highlands answer to Chris Froome you must stop and ‘dib’ at both!
The Bealach is the UK’s biggest road climb with an ascent of 626m from sea level in just 10km. It is set in a fabulous unspoilt landscape with outstanding views of the sea and hills. The Applecross Peninsula is renowned as a gem in Scotland’s crown of natural wonders. The idea of a sportive belongs to local cycling legend Clifford Davidson.
The event was first run in the summer of 2006 and it was immediately obvious that had captured the imagination of cyclists of all standards. Shortly after, due to demand, we introduced a 2nd shorter option which also included the opportunity to climb the big one! Bealach Mor retains the original route of 90 miles and the Bealach Beag introduced a shorter distance of 43 miles.
BEALACH MOR ROUTE AND ROAD CLOSURE
144KM
2,100 M OF ASCENT
The route will take you east from Kinlochewe near beautiful Loch Maree to the wide canvass of Achnasheen and its surrounding hills. From there you head south on a fine new road down through Glen Carron to the sea at picturesque Lochcarron. Things get tough now as the road swings sharply upward for the main climb to Bealach-na-Ba. The section of road from Tornapress up the Bealach and down to Applecross campsite is closed for the event.
The route will take you east from Kinlochewe near beautiful Loch Maree to the wide canvass of Achnasheen and its surrounding hills. From there you head south on a fine new road down through Glen Carron to the sea at picturesque Lochcarron. Things get tough now as the road swings sharply upward for the main climb to Bealach-na-Ba. The section of road from Tornapress up the Bealach and down to Applecross campsite is closed for the event.
The reward is great as a massive vista over the west coast and the Isle of Skye opens before you as you plunge down to sea level again at Applecross. The hard work is not over as the next section around the north of the peninsula has hardly any flat as it clings to the coast, past rocky cliffs and sandy coves. Finally you pass through the charming village of Sheildaig nestling in the shelter of its loch and the final section begins. Weary legs will be revived through rugged Glen Torridon overshadowed by the massive craggy bulk of Liatach and its sisters on the famous ridge. Finally, relief is at hand with a gentle descent back to the finish at Kinlochewe.
There will be a timing station at the bottom of the Bealach and another at the top. If you want your time on the climb recorded and be eligible to compete to become the Highlands answer to Chris Froome you must stop and ‘dib’ at both!
The Highland Perthshire Challenge
Join us at the Highland Perthshire Challenge for your choice of 50 mile or 100 mile routes.
As always, you’ll experience some amazing scenery, a friendly volunteer team, and excellent refreshments along the way!
The Highland Perthshire Challenge 50 mile route is a more modest cycling challenge. The route takes in the historic Scottish towns of Blairgowrie, Dunkeld, and Pitlochry. It also passes notable landmarks such as the Meikleour Beech Hedge, the Birk’s of Aberfeldy, and lots of famous bridges.
The route starts and ends of Scone Airfield, just north of Perth. The Airfield has ample car parking and toilets. Accommodation, a restaurant and a cafe are available on site.
The Highland Perthshire Challenge 100 is a challenging 100 mile route.
Taking in the historic Scottish towns of Blairgowrie, Dunkeld, and Pitlochry, as well as passing notable landmarks such as the Meikleour Beech Hedge, the Birk’s of Aberfeldy, and lots of famous bridges.
The route starts and ends at Scone Airfield, just north of Perth. The Airfield has ample car parking and toilets. Accommodation, a restaurant, and a cafe are available on site.
