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'''Cyclo Sportives''' (sometimes spelled '''Cyclo Sportifs''' but correctly '''Cyclosportives''', since the full name is randonnée cyclosportive and ''randonnée'' is a female noun in French) are long distance, organised, mass-participation cycling events - not races - typically held annually. Sportives are the cycling cousin of running’s marathon: as with the 26-mile event, rather than racing other participants, sportives see cyclists challenge themselves in a personal battle against the distance and then ultimately, the clock.
'''Cyclo Sportives''' (sometimes spelled '''Cyclo Sportifs''' but correctly '''Cyclosportives''', since the full name is randonnée cyclosportive and ''randonnée'' is a female noun in French) are long distance, organised, mass-participation cycling events typically held annually. Sportives are the cycling cousin of running’s marathon: as with the 26-mile event, rather than racing other participants, sportives see cyclists challenge themselves in a personal battle against the distance and then ultimately, the clock.


A cyclosportive falls between a traditional road race and a non-competitive [[randonnée]] or [[Audax (cycling)|Audax]] event. Riders normally carry a number and the time they take to complete the course is recorded. There is usually an upper time limit within which the course must be completed (unlike many randonnée events, there is no lower limit preventing riders from completing the course quickly). The already lengthy course will traditionally include climbs and difficult riding conditions, adding to the merit of the event (e.g. the cobblestones of the [[Paris-Roubaix]]).
A cyclosportive falls between a traditional road race and a non-competitive [[randonnée]] or [[Audax (cycling)|Audax]] event. Riders normally carry a number and the time they take to complete the course is recorded. There is usually an upper time limit within which the course must be completed (unlike many randonnée events, there is no lower limit preventing riders from completing the course quickly). The already lengthy course will traditionally include climbs and difficult riding conditions, adding to the merit of the event (e.g. the cobblestones of the [[Paris-Roubaix]]).

Revision as of 21:04, 2 November 2008

Cyclo Sportives (sometimes spelled Cyclo Sportifs but correctly Cyclosportives, since the full name is randonnée cyclosportive and randonnée is a female noun in French) are long distance, organised, mass-participation cycling events typically held annually. Sportives are the cycling cousin of running’s marathon: as with the 26-mile event, rather than racing other participants, sportives see cyclists challenge themselves in a personal battle against the distance and then ultimately, the clock.

A cyclosportive falls between a traditional road race and a non-competitive randonnée or Audax event. Riders normally carry a number and the time they take to complete the course is recorded. There is usually an upper time limit within which the course must be completed (unlike many randonnée events, there is no lower limit preventing riders from completing the course quickly). The already lengthy course will traditionally include climbs and difficult riding conditions, adding to the merit of the event (e.g. the cobblestones of the Paris-Roubaix).

The routes will usually be well sign-posted and/or marshalled (some cyclosportives take place on roads which have been closed to motor traffic for the duration of the event), riders will be able to use feeding stations positioned at intervals along the route to replenish their food and drink supplies and mechanical and medical support may also be provided. Some attract thousands of participants - since 2000 l'Etape du Tour has offered places to 8,500 riders each year.

Sportive event timings

Although sportives are not races, entrants’ times are recorded and riders are given their finishing position. This can encourage the fastest cyclists to push the pace, with faster riders working together to increase speed in a pro-peloton style. The majority of riders will simply be happy to complete the distance within the time allowance. It is common in France and Italy for prizes to be awarded to the winner and to those winning age-related categories.

Established sportive events

The first ever French cyclosportive was La Marmotte, which was first run in 1982 on a route starting in Bourg d'Oisans and taking in the Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Telegraphe, Col du Galibier and Col du Lautaret before climbing to finish at the top of one the most famous Tour de France climbs at Alpe d'Huez. It remains one of the most popular cyclosportive events today in Europe and is often considered to be the hardest cyclosportive.

Arguably the most famous of the cyclosportives today is the French l'Etape du Tour, held each July over a stage of that particular year’s Tour de France, usually a mountain stage. This over-subscribed event sees approximately 7,500 riders attempting to duplicate the professional cyclists. The Ardéchoise is one of Europe's largest event with 15,000 riders taking part but this time participants are able to choose from a range of circuits, from 66km to 268km. The Ronde van Vlaanderen had 18,000 participants in it's 2007 edition and 17,000 in 2008. Riders can also choose from different circuits including mountainbike courses, from 28km to 256km. These events enjoy roads closed to traffic for the duration of the event, allowing riders to enjoy the full width of the road and to profit from the often technical sections of the route.

Another coveted French event mimics the legendary one-day classic Paris-Roubaix. Held bi-annually, this 260km (162 miles) sportive increases the test of reliability and endurance yet further with 26 sections of pavé which total some 42km (26miles). It is not uncommon for riders to break bikes and even bones over these cobbled roads.

Other notable events are the Cape Cycle Tour in South Africa which celebrated its 30th year in 2007 with 40,000 entrants. Italy’s Gran Fondo Pinarello, Maratona dles Dolomites and Spain's Quebrantahuesos are well known among the scores of torturous but popular European events. The largest cyclosportive in the UK is the Dragon Ride Wales, held each June over a challenging 200km mountainous course in South Wales.

List of cyclosportives

Cyclosportive Video & Photography

See also

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