Overview
 
The InterCat is a proven intermediate challenge designed for cyclists looking to excel over an 80 mile challenge distance.  The rolling terrain can be enjoyed as a great fast ride for experienced distance Sportive riders, or as a challenge for Cycle Club or Audax riders.
 
Leave HQ after the Magnificat riders and there’s a short 10% climb to get you on your way to the new triple climbs combination of Walbury (20%), Linkenholt (10%), and Conholt (14%) hills. This is followed by a superb glide descent past Andover and down to Stockbridge. Enjoy the rolling countryside to the food and timing mat control at Sparsholt.
 
The ride for home is a challenging ride to Stoke Charity, over Hunton Down and rolling Wolds to Overton. then onto an endurance drag climb to Hannington village, where the village hall facilities provides a welcome respite with seating area, water plus 'top-up' food , and even hot tea, to help keep those pedals and tired legs turning for the final push home. It's up and over the White Hill of Kingsclere and a lovely fast flat section, before heading onto Ashford Hill and Brimpton.  Last 3 miles take you to Greenham Common, along the perimeter fence, one final downhill and you then re-enter for a grandstand finish at Newbury Racecourse.  Well done - your legs will tell you that you have ridden a great ride!  
 
InterCat summary details
 
Stages
 
  • Stage 1 to Sparsholt: 38miles with 850m ascent
  • Stage 2 to Newbury Racecourse: 42 miles with 775m ascent
 
Route Support
 
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
Hannington
63
 
Top-up
Yes
Racecourse HQ
80
Yes
Yes
Yes
 
 
Profile

 “Just want to thank you for an extremely well organised event. This is the second year running that I have been on it and it gets better each time. Everything is so seamless - you just go out and ride - that's how it should be.

Can't wait for next year. Your pre-, peri- and post- organisational support is nothing short of amazing.
We should make it compulsory for all UK sportives organisers to enter your event so that they know what a gold standard is! Thanks again”.

Regards

Michael 

 
“I just wanted to drop you a line to say thank you for a brilliant day on Sunday. It was all well organised and everyone helping was lovely. The parking and registration was all done efficiently and everyone smiled!
It was my first sportive (‘only been road cycling since January) so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. he staff / helpers at the water stops and lunch stop were really welcoming and everyone kept encouraging us and generally being very positive. 
The finish was well handled and the having the cadets take off the timer was a very nice touch – thank you to them.
Anyway, excellent overall – well done, I shall be returning next year and be after a faster time.
Magnificat Sportive rocks!”
John – rider 1166