Pain on the Plain sportive returns for 2011

The Pain on the Plain cyclo-sportive in Wiltshire returns for a second year on Sunday, June 5. The course runs around the military training ground of Salisbury Plain, and uses some roads and tracks not normally open to the public.

Three distances are on offer, 50, 100 and 160km (100 miles), all starting and finishing in Tidworth, Wiltshire. Entry costs £27, or £17 for currently serving members of the armed forces. There's also a short ride on Sunday morning suitable for families.

Part of the routes use gravel roads that are more often traversed by the tracks of battle tanks than the soft rubber of bike tyres.

All proceeds from the event go to SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) Forces Help charity. Routes feature electronic timing, feedstops, waymarking and mechanical support.

A series of criterium races will take place on Saturday June 4, the evening before the sportive at Tedworth House in Tidworth making for a weekend of biking action.

For an entry form and more information go to event organiser Wheels in Wheels website.

Related links

2011 Cyclo-sportive calendar