Overview
 
The improved Route80cat is a proven intermediate challenge designed for cyclists looking to excel over the new distance of 80 miles. The rolling terrain can be enjoyed as a great ride and / or cycled to take you out of your comfort zone. The move to Newbury Racecourse HQ has allowed us to introduce new sections whilst retaining the best of the key elements you have always enjoyed.
 
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 first main Control at Sparsholt.
 
The ride for home introduces a new section after Kingsworthy – a challenging ride to Stoke Charity, over Hunton Down and rolling Wolds to Overton. Then there is a steady climb to rejoin the main route to climb to Hannington Mast. Descend into Kingsclere and then head into Ashford Hill and Brimpton to follow the perimeter road along Greenham Common to re-enter for a grandstand finish at Newbury Racecourse.  
 
Route80cat 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 rocks!”
John – rider 1166