The MagnifiCat is a truly classic challenge bringing together, the rolling Hampshire countryside, classic climbs and the South Downs into a formidable challenge for experienced and motivated cyclists.

 

 

Leave HQ and there’s a short 10% to get you on your way as you head out towards Walbury Hill. The Scorpion sting   is a triple climb combination of Walbury (20%), Linkenholt (10%), and Conholt (14%) hills which begins just 10miles into the ride. It will test your climbing, descending and endurance resolve. This is followed by a superb 4.5mile glide descent to Weyhill. Maintain your pace as you quickly cycle around the outskirts of Andover. As you approach Stockbridge, testing climbs prepare you for the 8% climb out of Stockbridge, which is deceptive and enduring. Now “rock and roll” all the way to our first main Control at Sparsholt, where you will be welcomed with freshly made food, energy drinks, and bike support. supported by NHRC volunteers.

 

 

 

 

This is the toughest stage as you can see from the profile below.  So riders, need to be well fuelled and refreshed before they get back on their bikes.

 

Stage 2 starts with continuous undulations, before a nifty bi-pass of Winchester to Twyford Down. The South Downs are approaching fast! First climb is Hazeley Down, followed by Blackdown and then the new climb up Preshaw Down to the South Downs ridge. A fast descent to Warnford, where we recommend riders to take advantage of the Warnford village hall water station to get ready to tackle the 3mile climb of Old Winchester Hill to the Tumulus – part of the Southern grand prix circuit. 

Another fast descent into East Meon provides some welcome relief and recovery - but not for long! The ride starts to climb again and launches into the alpine style Stoner Hill – one of the high points in Hampshire. All that remains is your determination to hang in there and keep going to the second main Control at Four Marks village hall, where our MOSS Charity volunteer team will welcome you with smiles, freshly made food (savoury sandwiches), energy drinks and bike support. Well done so far!

 

 

 

 

The ride for home starts with a new section of rolling Hampshire climbs. The rolling countryside pushes up to Lasham, Ellisfield and then to Farleigh Wallop (12%). A quick urban skirt around Basingstoke to Oakley reconnects the ride to the approach to Hannington and the 3mile drag climb to Hannington mast. Take advantage of the drinks / top-up station at Hannington village hall. A wicked short climb over White Hill is followed by a great descent to Kingsclere. Use the next section for a welcome recovery and try to spin any lactic acid out of your legs. At 115miles greet the wall of Ashford Hill. Don’t falter or you just might have to take a step on the crown of the bend! The serious climbing is now behind you.

Take encouragement as you pass through Brimpton and join the perimeter road to Greenham Common. The finish is not far way. Have a glow of achievement as you go down the 10% descent and final approach to Newbury Racecourse. Re-enter the grounds to be greeted by the welcome back  ATC volunteer team to cross the line for a grandstand finish.

 

A truly magnificant achievement [hence our event name: 'Magnificat']. So, let pain and tiredness disappear as you reflect on your success, enjoying a cyclists menu of food ... and maybe even a celebrational beer, at the race-course cafeteria bar!    

 

 

 

Stages

 

 

Control / Station	Distance miles	Bike Support	Feed Control	Torq energy / Water Station
Racecourse HQ	0	Yes	Yes	Yes
Abbotts Ann	26			Yes
Sparsholt	38	Yes	Yes	Yes
Warnford	58			Yes
Four Marks	80	Yes	Yes	Yes
Hannington	109		Top-up	Yes
Racecourse HQ	126	Yes	Yes	Yes