Entry opens for 2010 King of the Downs Sportive

Online entry is now open for the Evans Cycles Ride It have fo the 2010 King of the Downs probably the hardest sportive ride in South East England, online entry is open now. If this sounds like it might be up your street, the 23rd of May is the day to mark on your calendar – entry for the King of the Downs is limited to 1,000 riders and costs £25. If you've already heard enough you can enter now via the Ride It section on the Evans Cycles website in fact that's the only way you can enter.

The route, announced today, pits riders against 10 major climbs over 113 miles, and will, promise the organisers, “ be a true test for man and machine”. For those who don't fancy so stern a test on a spring Sunday there is also a 56 mile half sportive option on offer, although we wouldn't go so far as to say even that was easy.

As with all Ride It events the route for both rides will be fully waymarked and all participants will get a laminated OS route sheet and there is also a free Memory Map download available in advance too. Other extras include free SIS energy food and drink, extra feed and mechanical support, goodie bags and broom wagon.  Plus for 2010, Sport Ident electronic timing will be used to time riders on the course. Oh, and hot food and drink is included in the £25 entry fee too.

Route information

The 113 mile challenge takes in at least 10 killer climbs totalling over 9,000ft as riders tackle the North Downs, the Surrey Hills, Ashdown Forest and the hills of East Surrey and Kent.  The route is split into two loops (Western and Eastern). 
 
The first, the 56 mile Western Loop heads North West from the event centre (Evans Cycles Gatwick) straight into the Surrey Hills before tackling the North Downs.  Climbing 4,800ft this loop forms the half sportive distance and takes in 5 major climbs, the biggest of is the legendary Box Hill. 

Riders on the full sportive, will then skirt back past the event centre dropping off the half sportive riders and continuing onto the 57 mile Eastern Loop.  From here the route heads south east into the Ashdown forest before tracking north to the North Downs - it's here that you'll tackle two of the toughest hill climbs including Yorks Hill.  The Eastern Loop climbs 4,200ft and takes you back to what should by that point be the eagerly awaited finish line (and goodie bag) at Evans Cycles Gatwick.

If you've still got any energy left once you've tackled the Downs you can also try out a selection of Winstopper and GoreTex clothing courtesy of Gore Bike Wear.

To enter visit the King of the Downs page on the Evans websiste