Mountain passes galore for new Lakes sportive

A new sportive in the Lake District is set to challenge leg muscles, taking in three of the regions best-known mountain passes.

Entry for the Sportive is £30 and for that riders get electronic timing, feed stations, maps and route cards, mechanical support, a meal voucher, sports nutrition and a finishers memento. You can register online for the Keswick Cyclo Sportive now.

The sportive, to be held on Saturday May 22, is part of the Keswick Mountain Festival, jointly sponsored by Cumbria Tourism and Ordnance Survey. 

Around 400 riders are expected to take part in the sportive, which has three levels of endurance:

1) The big one – This route goes up Whinlatter, Newlands and Honister passes twice, each time from different directions. It covers 105 kilometres (65 miles) and climbs 3,140 metres (10,300 feet).
2) The medium one – this route includes four climbs to a total of 2,700 metres (8, 860 feet) and over 90 kilometres (56 miles) of road.
3) The little one – This route covers 46 kilometres (28 miles) and two big climbs of 1,290 metres in total (4,230 feet).

All competitors will start and finish at Crow Park beside Derwentwater at the Festival’s Adventure Base. Here competitors and spectators can enjoy the themed outdoor adventure areas of hike, bike, climb, triathlon and paddle.

Lucy Bennett, Director, Keswick Mountain Festival, said: “We want people to have fun and we’re making the most of the three high passes so everyone who competes can enjoy the spectacular views. There should be something for everyone, whether this is your first Sportive or if you’re a seasoned competitor.”

Ian Mulvey, of Be Challenged, who masterminded the Sportive on behalf of Keswick Mountain Festival, said: “These are really demanding routes with little time to recover between the climbs up the passes.

“We’re hoping those who can’t tackle the big one will have a go at the two smaller ones. No matter what level you try, it will be a tough challenge.”

Keswick Mountain Festival is now in its fourth year and for the first time it is organised by Bluestone Events, a Kendal-based company.

The festival will see five days of adventure in and around Keswick – there are hundreds of outdoor activities to either try as a taster or experience in the extreme with local expert guides.