Online retail specialist Chain Reaction Cycles (CRC) has unveiled the new Vitus Sportive Series 2012 – ‘a six stage cycling event for riders of all abilities, taking in some of the UK’s finest locations packed full of challenging climbs and exhilarating descents.’
With CRC’s own bike brand Vitus in place as a title sponsor, the series also has power measurement CycleOps on board as a sponsor. The Vitus Road Sportives will be run alongside the Chain Reaction Cycles MTB Series, powered by Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport, making the events a ‘Mini Cycle Festival’ weekend.
The Forest of Dean, England, will host the inaugural Vitus Sportive on 6 May, with a 90-mile route winding its way through the picturesque surroundings of Tintern, Symonds Yat and the Forest of Dean itself. Full chip timing, a finisher certificate and fully stocked feeding stations will be available for all riders, as well as a goody bag at the finish.
Running alongside the successful Chain Reaction Cycles MTB Marathon Series, four more sportives will take place in Selkirk, Scotland on 19 May; Marshbrook, England on 14 July; Abergavenny, Wales on 5 August and Ruthin, Wales on 15 September.
Beautiful scenery and challenging routes are key themes across this year’s Vitus Sportive Series. Each of the events’ rides will offer two routes – a ‘classic’ long distance route between 80-100 miles, and a shorter ‘standard’ distance around 40-50 miles, which is positioned at those who just want to dip their toes into the world of sportive riding.
CRC will ‘try and create a mini cycling festival feel to these weekends, with a real buzz around the event headquarters from the Friday evening to the Monday morning.’ As well as the ride itself, the entry fee includes many benefits throughout the sportive weekend including: a free after ride coffee/tea and cakes; free use of service stations – with food & technical support; free use of shower and toilet facilities at the event HQ; free mountain bike skills and riding tuition (provided by CycleActive); and a gift at the finish plus free parking and camping.
CRC is rounding off the series on 30 September with a ‘magnificent ride’ in the Lord of the Lochs Sportive, taking on ‘a spectacular route on quiet roads through incredible scenery passing many sights of historical interest.’ Here, riders can choose from the 185K ‘elite’ course with 1800m of ascent or there’s a shorter distance ‘standard’ course at 164K. Three food/aid stations will be along the route with a plentiful selection of drinks, gels and snacks.
2012 Vitus Sportive Series:
- 6 May Vitus Sportive 1 – Forest of Dean
- 19 May Vitus Sportive 2 – Selkirk
- 14 July Vitus Sportive 3 – Marshbrook
- 4 August Vitus Sportive 4 – Abergavenny
- 15 September Vitus Sportive 5 – Ruthin
- 30 September Lord of the Lochs Sportive – Lochaber
