Entry now open for Plymouth Gran Fondo

Entry is now open for the South West’s first ever city centre based Gran Fondo cycling event, taking place on 31st May 2015 (already 650 participants signed up).

Not only the first sportive event to be hosted in Plymouth, but also the first Gran Fondo to be hosted in the UK.

A choice of two routes The Gran Fondo route covers 100 miles across picturesque Devon and Cornwall, whilst The Piccolo is an easier 60 km but still a route that will challenge keen cyclists, both routes offering a mix of nature and endurance.

Organised by the team at Spike Sports and working with Visit Plymouth, The National Trust, Sutton Harbour Holdings plc, Roger Young and Rockets & Rascals Bicycle Emporium, The Plymouth Gran Fondo is set to headline a whole weekend of cycling in Plymouth, Devon.

The Plymouth Gran Fondo is a challenge ride showcasing the finest elements of Plymouth, West Devon, Dartmoor and East Cornwall, from stunning waterfront and coastal areas to magnificent historic houses and breath taking landscapes, the chosen route should tempt any visitor to return to the area.

Local riders can challenge themselves on some of the best riding in the area or for those visiting Plymouth for the first time, a chance to ride some of the best riding in the region, including areas of outstanding natural beauty and sections of the rugged Cornish coastline.

There are two routes to choose from The Gran Fondo and The Piccolo.

The Gran Fondo Route

It’s a tough ride, we’ll be honest from the start. 160km of riding (100 miles in old money) that takes you out of the city and up onto Dartmoor, from there you’ll descend into the Tamar Valley before climbing across the border into Cornwall and heading past Kit Hill and onto towards Liskeard. You’ll pedal out to the coast and work your way back along the Cornish coastline, through fishing villages and cliff tops, crossing the timing mat on the banks of the Tamar at Torpoint. From there you’ll get a boat ride and an untimed section back to Sutton Harbour where you can relax and collect your rider’s medal.

The Piccolo Route

It’s a taste of the Gran Fondo but without the heart attack. Around 60km with all of the climbing at the start and a lovely gradual downhill all of the way home. You’ll get up onto Dartmoor, head to historic Buckland Abbey (home of Sir Francis Drake) and quick food stop before following Drake’s trail all the way back to the sea to collect your medal. If you’re not a confident rider then don’t worry, we’ll have pacemakers in the group to help you get to the end.

Jim Pascoe, event director Spike Sports, said: "“Plymouth Gran Fondo is going to be the main event in a weekend of cycling around Dartmoor, Devon and Cornwall. The idea of the weekend is to showcase the area to riders of all abilities. We have teamed up with Plymouth City Council, the National Trust and Destination Plymouth to ensure that the riding of the highest quality and that there is plenty for friends and family to do.

“The event will be running alongside Plymouth’s Skyride - so there will be family friendly traffic-free routes on the Sunday, a circuit race as well as the main routes on the Gran Fondo. If you get sick of riding, there's plenty to explore around Plymouth’s historic waterfront, from great bars to the art deco lido!”

Steve Toze, owner of Rockets & Rascals Bicycle Emporium based in Sutton Harbour, said: "Cyclist of all levels have much to look forward to. It’s like nothing this region has ever seen before; the vibe of starting and finishing an event in a city is fantastic and will be starkly contrasted by the quiet country roads and epic views as you cross the Cornish border. We live in a beautiful place, as a city we need to get behind the event and as cyclists we can look forward to a ride that will be the highlight of the cycling calendar.”

Charlotte Malcolm, Commercial Marketing Manager at Sutton Harbour Holdings plc, said:  “We are delighted to be sponsoring this fantastic event which highlights the tremendous cycling opportunities across Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall. Sutton Harbour regularly attracts cyclists who choose to start their route by cycling along the stunning waterfront in Britain’s Ocean City before heading out onto the moors or along the coast, so it’s fitting that the Plymouth Gran Fondo will begin and end in Sutton Harbour.”

To enter visit www.plymouthgranfondo.com