Hundreds of riders took to the roads at 8am on Sunday 3rd June, for the 9th Severn Bridge Sportive. Following the sign-posted route, they journeyed through quiet Cotswold lanes out to the Classic Severn Bridge Crossing. Once across the bridge, Bulwalk Community Centre in Cheptstow was the site of the very popular feed station, where the lovely Kirsty, Nick and Kimberley were on hand to provide much-needed sustenance, and particularly cold jugs of squash to the hot and tired cyclists. The 60 mile route took the riders back over the bridge and to the finish via the beautiful Cotswold Edge. The 100 mile route continued up to the Wentwood Reservoir – a climb made famous in the 2007 Women’s UCI World Cup – and over the River Usk to the historic town of Raglan.
We had participants of all ages, abilities and experience riding the Severn Bridge Sportive on Sunday – fathers and sons, friends, large groups of cycling club-mates, sisters, triathletes, runners… and everything in between! Lots of riders hadn’t taken part in this Sportive before, but we also had lots of returning customers who enjoy the beautiful route and the friendly, well-stocked feed station! Feedback from the day has been excellent:
“We had a lovely day. The ride was very well signposted and the route took us through some beautiful countryside. We will be back next year, thank you!”
“Had a great day riding the 100 miles event very well organised route was very challenging but also very rewarding – well sign posted and great selection at the feed station. Look forward to next year.”
“Fantastic day out and the 100 mile route was a challenge! The route signing was great and the food was the best I’ve had on a sportive. Kudos to everyone involved.”
“Thanks, today’s event was brilliant – organisation, venue, route, feed stops and facilities – couldn’t fault it. And the sun came out to play. THANK YOU.”
On return to the finish at the historic Castle Combe Circuit, the riders were greeted on the finish line with HIGH5 goody bags, and then they could relax in the rider area with a bowl of pasta. The Castle Combe Family Cycling Day was taking place at the circuit as the riders were out on the road, so on return to the finish they were greeted by friends, family and supporters enjoying a day of cycling in the sunshine. All in all, the Severn Bridge Sportive was a huge success – here’s to 2019!
Our fab photography Rich Lewton was out on the Severn Bridge snapping away, and also managed to get shots back at the finish. See if you can spot yourself in his gallery! www.richlewtonphotography.co.uk
You can view your time, and your fellow riders times, via the Results Base website here: www.resultsbase.net
To read about this year’s Castle Combe Family Cycling, see here.