Sandown Cyclone Sportive: Entries now open!

The 2012 Sandown Cyclone Sportive in Surrey will take place on Sunday, April 22, as part of the Road Cycling Show taking place at Sandown Park over April 21-22.

Three flavours of cyclo-sportive are on offer: the 35.5 mile (57km) 'Fun' route, the 66-mile (106km) 'Standard' route and the 81-mile (130km) 'Epic' route.

All three routes start and finish at Sandown Park, Esher, and take in some of Surrey's finest scenery and iconic climbs.

All routes head south-west towards Cobham and then out to the countryside. The first major climb comes after 22km (13.5 miles) where the riders tackle Coombe Bottom before descending into the picturesque village of Shere.

From Shere, it's on to Winterfold and the ascent of Pitch Hill followed by around 55km (34 miles) of relatively flat terrain around the Low Weald between the North and South Downs. On to Cranleigh, Dunsfold (home of the Top Gear test track), Kirdford, Ellens Green and Forest Green.

On the return leg, the long route takes in Leith Hill followed by the tough climb of White Down, as featured in Simon Warren's book 100 Climbs. Then it's across Ranmore Common, down Tanners Hatch and one final climb up to Polesden Lacey before returning to Sandown.

Entry for the Epic and Standard routes costs £30, or £20 for Fun route. Both entry fees include admission to the Road Cycling Show, which features the latest bikes, cycling products, seminars and test ride facilities. 

All sportive entrants will receive a goody bag and medal. The event includes electronic timing, mechanical support, free energy drink and snacks, bike wash facility, and rider public liability insurance.

The event will be run by one of Britain's foremost sportive organisers, UK Cycling Events and the official bike partner is Boardman Bikes.

You can enter the Sandown Cyclone Sportive via Cycling Weekly's online shop.

Epic route profile

Related links

Sandown Cyclone Sportive and Road Cycling Show online tickets

New Road Cycling Show for 2012