Wiggle launches sportive series for 2010

Online bike shop Wiggle and UK Cycling Events have teamed up to launch a series of road sportives and mountain biking events.

The Super Series will take place throughout 2010, encouraging riders of all ages and abilities to join in. There will be 10 road and four MTB events, with two or three different distances on offer at all events and free entry for under 16s.

Martin Barden, of UK Cycling Events, said: “The series is all about encouraging as many people as possible to get on their bikes and have a great time riding. Riders will be able to experience some stunning cycling in some really picturesque areas simply by turning up. Let us do the rest.”

The first event of the series is the March Muddy Madness MTB ride, which takes place on March 21 in Storrington. Other mountain bike events include the Ups and Downs on April 24 in the North Downs, the South Downs Epic on June 27 in Chichester and the Falling Leaves on October 2 in the New Forest.

For road riders, there’s the New Forest Spring Sportive less than a month later on April 18 or The Ups and Downs on April 25 in Dorking. Two of the 10 road sportives - The Long One, which is a 200km epic on June 26 in Chichester, and the Jurassic Beast on May 2 in Dorchester – are believed to be among the hardest sportives in the country.

Wiggle’s Paul Bolwell said: “We can’t wait to see the Wiggle Super Series get under way and we’re looking forward to getting involved with so many superb events.”

All events will follow clearly signed routes and have well stocked feed stations. There will be free bike wash facilities (courtesy of Mobi) plus cleaning products, accessories, mechanical support, chip timing, event photography, toilets, hot drinks and homemade cakes.

Entries can be made online via the Wiggle website (www.wiggle.co.uk) and Wiggle customer discount applies to all purchases, so platinum Wiggle customers will receive 10 per cent off entry.