Newbury Showground, Berkshire, RG18 9QZ
Celebrating its 13th year in 2019, The MagnifiCat sportive has gained the reputation of a prestigious event with a fierce pedigree and formidable challenge. Forging the rolling Hampshire countryside and classic climbs on the South Downs as one, this event is one of a carefully picked few that many cyclists aim to tick off the ‘to do’ list.
The longest route of the MagnifiCat – one of our oldest events – spans 126 miles and will drag you over more than 6,500ft (2,000m) of hill climbing action. Based on the UCI European Golden Bike Events model, the route is a simple anti-clockwise loop that begins in Newbury.
There’s enough climbing action in this ride to keep your legs turning over – and the most challenging of them all can be despatched first of all as the long stretch from Combe to Ibthorpe is up first. Once this is over with, you’ll plunge back down to the level from which you’ve just climbed, before another steep test for the legs just after the 20-mile marker.
The terrain tends to settle after this for a while, albeit with consistent rolling roads, but there are more great climbs to come. In fact, there are nine major climbs in all on this route.
Moving around the western outskirts of Andover, you’ll pass over the top of Winchester and head south, stretching out the loop until it’s time to head north and back towards the Basingstoke and Deane district. Don’t be deceived by the lack of climbs on this part of the route – there’s enough here to make for a fast and technical sportive, well worth ticking off the list.
Black: 125-miles
Epic: 102-miles
Standard: 72-miles
Short: 30-miles
Event Includes:
Facilities and parking, Mechanical support, Medical support, Full route marking, 3rd Party Rider public liability insurance, Feed Stops, Energy food and drink, Electronic chip timing, Web results service, Online certificates, Finisher medal, On site catering, Pick-up wagons, Photos by SportivePhoto, Six Physio Massage@Events
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You can see the effect of a 'way too late' opening of this comp, with my dismal results! Wrecked a good start to my season.
It was off my list of helmets worth buying as soon as I saw someone had named it "Game Changer".
Looks valid to me although on a black Mercedes C Class. Last V5 issued 25th April (2 days ago) so maybe plate was being transferred.
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ACAB
Well Paddy Murray seems to have been nicely rewarded for his efforts to drive Stages into the ground.