The 8 Best UK Sportives For New Cyclists
Last updated: March 2023
Gearing up for your maiden sportive can be daunting. The distance, the climbs and the number of other riders out on the course can all add up, making you feel that little bit of pressure. We've got some top tips to help you nail that first one.
There are a huge number of sportives for first time riders too. These usually take place on flatter, more manageable terrain and have higher levels of support, including mechanical assistance and feed stops.
These friendly, easier-going sportives will provide you with the motivation to get out on the bike more and act as an incentive to up the distance and elevation gain. Here is our pick of the best sportives for beginners.
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Etape Caledonia
Etape Caledonia is ideal for beginners with the roads being closed to traffic. Although the terrain is challenging, you won’t need to worry about cars and can instead focus on spinning your legs. There are a few routes to choose from and each one takes you high up into the Scottish Highlands so you can see the breathtaking landscape that this part of the UK is famous for. From lochs to rugged Highland mountains, you couldn’t ask for more from a debut sportive.
When: May
New Forest Sportive
The New Forest Sportive is a hugely popular event among beginner cyclists thanks to its manageable route, stunning scenery and festival atmosphere. The course takes in the best and most beautiful lanes surrounding the park before heading into the Forest itself via the picturesque villages of Bransgore and Burley. The only hazards are free-roaming ponies, deer and cattle. With music, entertainment and food at the finish, this is a day for the whole family to enjoy. There are two distances: 63-miles, or 100-miles.
When: September
RideLondon
The cycling equivalent of the London Marathon, RideLondon is one of the only days you can ride traffic free in and around the capital. Route distances start out at 8-miles for the "free cycle", which is completely free to enter. There are then routes of 30, 60 and 100 miles, so it's a great event for tracking progress each year! Since 2022, the routes take riders into the heart of the Essex countryside, finishing back in town over the iconic Tower Bridge.
When: May
Tour O the Borders
The Tour O the Borders is exactly that: a closed road sportive in the Scottish Borders. Starting and finishing in Peebles, the route takes in some extraordinary natural scenery and includes the famous Talla Wall Climb. With distances of 88km, or 120km, and the promise of closed roads, mechanical support and copious feed stops, it is doable for a beginner.
When: September
King's Cup Gravel Fondo
Focusing on the ever growing gravel scene, the King's Cup puts on a family friendly event as part of their festival weekend. Their 40km sportive is aimed at gravel beginners, while more accomplished riders can tackle the 100km route. The weekend also doubles up as the British National Gravel Championships, so be sure to hang around to watch that too!
When: September
Cambridgeshire Classic Sportive
An early season sportive, the Cambridgeshire Classic is a great way to start your year and put the winter training into good use. The predominantly flat route means that it is a very gentle ride, perfect for first timers who want to sample this type of event.
When: March
Lincoln Grand Prix Sportive
With routes ranging between 35 and 103 miles through the Lincolnshire countryside, there is something for everyone at this event. The final climb of Michaelgate Hill is the hardest part of the course. Less than a kilometre long, but the cobbled climb reaches steep gradients as it weaves into the city. Luckily, the sportive finishes at the top!
Be sure to stay an extra day and watch the UK's most famous one day race, the Lincoln GP.
When: May
London to Brighton Cycle Ride
The London to Brighton is one of the UK’s most famous annual cycle events. The family friendly charity event stars at Clapham Common and winds its way down to Brighton seafront via a network of quiet country lanes (closed to traffic) that take you through Surrey and Sussex before the final challenge, Ditchling Beacon. With a well signed route, mechanical support, plenty of water stops and even a free buffet lunch, there isn’t a better sportive for beginners in the UK. Every cyclist should try it at least once.
When: September
It’s natural to feel anxious before your first sportive, but once you start, you soon realise how supportive these events can be. Who knows, you may even get the bug and join this large community of riders.
Pedalsure can protect you in mass participation events as our comprehensive cycle insurance extends to sportives as standard. You’ll also find that we cover several things that you won’t find in your home insurance policies. You’re covered in cases of bike theft, personal injury and personal liability, during events and abroad. So have a good ride and remember we’re here when you need us.
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