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.
This whole red light jumping thing, I've been giving it some thought....
I guess the FLock Light works best if you have paler legs for it to light up. Mine are actually blue (like any true Scotsman's legs they only turn...
You say that, but Sunak got in. So maybe you just need to be waiting nearby when one of the more far-out spontaneously combusts or implodes?...
Helmet zealots' lack of logic and knowledge, as evidenced by your post I responded to, exasperate me I'm afraid.
Absolutely agree: "You'll be sure to make a statement with these brightly-coloured road shoes from Fizik" - the statement being "I have no taste...
Well done to Nick for opening up and sharing his story. Much respect.
Anything shy of a watersports dry suit (and you don't want to ride a bike in one of those) will let in heavy, set-in rain, as identified typically...
Never ever experienced this.
They have their own forum for members, go check them out....
I don't think this kind of "innovation" is a positive step for active travel. However, that's the way of the world. Who's going to buy "just...