Entry opens for Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx - your chance to ride with The Cannibal

On July 31st Eddy Mercks joins Graeme Obree in launching his very own sportive (well Gran Fondo in Eddy's case - him being continental) a date that will henceforth be know as National Ride with a Cycling Legend Day cos both are planning to turn their rides in to annual events… and, er both are legends.

The UK Gran Fondo Eddy Mercks takes place in Somerset and entries are limited to 1000 riders - we don't thing they will have trouble filling it. Online entry is already open and costs £39. Those taking part will be offered the choice of either 60 or 100 mile routes - the latter being the Gran Fondo distance – Eddy says he's riding that one.

Not only will you be able to ride with the Cannibal you'll also be able to take a good look at the bikes that bear his name – you can even take one for a test ride, the event is being sponsored by i-ride.co.uk, UK distributor of Eddy Merckx bikes and they will be showing them of in the event village - you'll also be able to look at top class kit from Campagnolo, Fulcrum and Continental and more goodies along those lines are promised.

Everything will be based in the grounds of the Cricket St Thomas hotel near Chard in Somerset and organisers promise a combination of idyllic country lanes and some serious climbs. You'll also get a free post ride massage from Quick Step team sponsor Naqi skincare, and a free pre-ride pasta party the night before, Eddy Merckx will be there all weekend. And there will be all the usual things you'd expect from a top class sport…Gran Fondo, two feed stations, neutral support, motorcycle outriders from the National Motorcycle Support Group, individual times, and a goodie bag stuffed with among other things a load of Zipvit nutritional products.

Oh, and a few members of the road.cc team will be there too… but don't let that put you off. To find out more visit www.granfondoeddymerckxUK.com