The Original South Downs Sportive – since 2006
The Southern Sportive is a fantastic 100 mile road challenge event that takes in the best road climbs the South Downs has to offer. And with 114k mid and 73k short options, the event is open to a wide range of riders and abilities.
The hardened Sportive or first time charity rider will find the Southern Sportive a great challenge, the classic course takes in some serious hills complimented by rolling back roads and views out along the south coast. All set in one of the prettiest parts of the UK.
The location for the event was carefully chosen to provide one of the best sportive routes in the country. In cycling terms, the South Downs are famous for the epic 100 mile South Downs Way off road ride along its length, while on the road, the best known feature is probably the Ditchling Beacon hill climb on the London to Brighton. But at it’s eastern end, the southerly drops from the downs deliver you straight into coastal towns. The best road riding on the South Downs is to be found at the Western end where a wealth of superb riding exists both north and south of the ridge, allowing for a route that bisects the massive rolling chalk downs several times, travelling over the tops on it’s way to and from the coast. The result is a flowing route that combines challenges and rewards in equal measure, with a stunning landscape backdrop throughout.
The event base is at Churchers College in Petersfield, which sits right under the northern edge of the Downs and makes a memorable start and finish to the ride. Great road and rail connections to both London and the rest of the UK also help to make this a classic south of England event.