Date


Sunday 8th May 2022
at 07:00 (UTC +00:00) Europe/London

End: Sunday 8th May 2022
at 16:00 (UTC +00:00) Europe/London

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About the event

A challenging, hilly route through the beautiful Hampshire countryside. Starting and finishing at Sparsholt College in Winchester, the 2022 edition is one of the hardest sportives on our calendar and will combine all the most challenging climbs that Hampshire has to offer. From Beacon Hill, Watership Down and Windmill Hill to name a few there will be plenty of hills putting meaning behind the name! You'll be treated to beautiful woodland, stunning countryside, quaint villages and of course, amazing views from the tops of the climbs. But with those ups, must come downs! With over 4,000ft of climb on the 100mile course, there is the same amount of descent for you to enjoy!

With a fully signed and marshalled course with feed stations along the route supporting you all the way, there's no reason why you should wait in ticking off one of the best sportives in the country. Full mechanical support is available on the route and a medal, drinks, snacks and chipped timing await those who finish. If the 100mile route is a bit too much, we have a mid length distance at 67 miles.

This event will also be supporting Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. HIOWAA is an independent Charity that brings an advanced Critical Care Team to the most seriously ill and injured patients in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, giving them the best chance of survival and recovery, when the worst happens. It currently costs £15,000 a day to maintain their life saving service. You can find out more information on what they do 

FAQ

There are always questions that you might have, the common ones are answered below.

I'm concerned that I might not manage the full distance. Is there a shorter route?

Yes, the routes split shortly after the feedstation. Yellow arrows continue on the longer route, red arrows indicate the "short cut". This reduces the route from 100 miles to approximately 67 miles. You can make the decision right there which way to go. NOTE: Only long route riders visit the feedstation twice. Feeds are therefore roughly every 33 miles.

Do "long" and "short" riders start together?

Due to social distancing and keeping everyone safe, riders will be allocated arrival and start times. Riders will roll individually over the start keeping 2m apart. 100mile group will start first followed by the 67 mile group. If you have chosen to ride with a friend you will be in the same starting slot (2M apart)

Can I have a late start?

No. We've allowed it in the past and not only have the event team been kept waiting endlessly at the start, they have also had to wait into the early evening for the same people to finish. Car-less participants, please consider arriving on the Saturday and booking either a B&B locally or for maximum convenience a guest room at Sparsholt College.

How will registration work?

Registration will happen online. You will be asked to complete a health screening questionnaire 7 days before the event. These questions will include questions around COVID-19 symptoms including about you and your household. You are asked not to come if you are unwell. We will also record your name and contact details of you and everyone that attends the event for Track and Trace purposes. This information is stored securely and will only be used for this situation.

Where shall I collect my pre-ordered Jersey or T-shirt from?

We will have your t-shirt or jersey ready for you at check in. Stay in your car and we will bring it to you!

I didn't order a Jersey, have I missed out?

They are pretty cool! We have ordered a few extra, look out for your pre event info for a link to order one ready for event day! We may have a few left over at the finish to purchase.

Is there a medal?

Absolutely! You've just cycled a very long way and deserve an awesome medal to take away with you!

Will there be extra hygiene provisions?

Yes. There will be a number of hand sanitiser stations around the venue and at the feed station. Please do not be offended if a marshal asks you to use the hand gel. You will be asked to use it before entering the feed station and upon leaving.

Is there a cut off time?

You can start riding from 7:30am. The feed station will close at 15:30. The finish line will close at 17:00 so all participants will need to be back by this time.

I can not see my start time or race number?

Head to your my.challenging.events account. You must have completed your COVID screening and then your competitor responsibility statement. Your start time and number will then appear. You will automatically get a my.challenging.events account (my.challenging.events is the website you need to go to). You login with either your email or booking reference. Any problems please email contact@challenging.events

Location

Sparsholt College, Westley Lane, Sparsholt, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 2NF, UK, SO21 2NF

Organiser