cyclosportive

What’s the best way to start a major sportive? Relaxed, confident, positive. How did I feel on Sunday in the start pen of the 2010 Etape du Tour? Nervous, apprehensive, and a little bit scared.

Who’d be a sportive organiser these days – especially one attempting to run an operation outside the realms of the well-established, well-funded, well-manned major events? There certainly seems to be no shortage of takers, but based on our experience this year they are chasing a thinly spread sportive-riding market while struggling to meet increased rider expectations.