Been Forwarded this:- Not riding the Ronde van Vlaanderen this year?
whatever happens, dont miss the Midlands equivalent
Sunday 6th July 2008
The Wyre Forest CRC are promoting their first Cycle Sportives this summer. The main event will be called the Wyre Forest Stinger, over 155 kms, there is the shorter Mini Stinger of 100 kms, and a Family Challenge Ride of 25 kms. HQ will be in Stourport on Severn and a range of sponsorship has been secured together with local authority grant to help make this a special day, particularly for families, with the many nearby riverside attractions to hand. Chosen charity will be the local Air Ambulance.
The main route will take a clockwise route from Stourport around Worcestershire, later following the river Teme valley in the second half before passing through parts of Herefordshire and later Shropshire as it enters the Wyre Forest area in the final stages. There will be a mix of quiet country lanes and good secondary roads with the hilliest part in the last quarter, although the riders will be tackling Ankerdine Hill, known locally as the 'Wall of Worcestershire' around the half way mark. The route design is based on the Belgium one day classic, the Ronde van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders).
Like the Ronde the first 2/3rd of the Wyre Forest Stinger is mainly flat which will give riders a chance to ride a good way in their respective groups before things get progressively more challenging as they enter the stinger section where a dozen climbs of varying intensity are shoehorned into the final 30 km.
The route has 3 refreshment stations plus a complimentary feed back at the event HQ, together with a recovery massage if required. Electronic timing has been booked, the website is about to go live, First Aid and mechanical help will be placed at each refreshment stop, as well as in the 2 broom wagons following each Stinger ride. Full route cards and signage will be backed up with marshals at strategic points, and event clothing is being designed based on racing vests using quality material and manufacture.
Make a diary note now for Sunday 6th July. (also date for BHF charity rides locally)
