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Popular cycling event returns to Broughton Castle this weekend
04/07/2022
From seasoned cyclists to family fun riders, the Broughton Castle Sportive has something for everyone
Hundreds of people will be heading to Broughton Castle this Sunday for a cycling challenge that’s suitable for seasoned cyclists, family fun-riders and everyone in between.
The Broughton Castle Sportive is run by the Rotary Club of Banbury Cherwell. Around 70 volunteers will be on hand to help the day run smoothly.
The idea for the Broughton Castle Sportive was born in 2012 as a new event to replace a beer festival Rotarians had been running. As 2012 was the year of the Olympics a cycling event to raise funds for local charities was suggested.
On Sunday riders will have a choice of five pre-planned routes around the Cotswolds, ranging from the 5-mile family cycle ride to the 100-mile Cotswold’s Beast. All of the routes start and finish at Broughton Castle, courtesy of Lord and Lady Saye and Sele.
Richard Moyle leads a group of volunteers who organise the event. He said: “The 5-mile Family Fun Ride is designed for young families – for people who want to get out there without too much of a challenge.
“We have a 20-mile route which goes out to Brailes and back.
“Then we have the 100, 75 and 50-mile courses which are based on a circular route from Broughton Castle out to nearly Cheltenham, through the beautiful Cotswold countryside.
“The 100-mile route goes over pretty much all of the major hills in the Cotswolds area, including the killer hill at Whichford – a little bonus as they ride home!”
Refreshments are available on route and hot food at the end.
A wide range of ages take part in the popular cycling event, with the youngest causing Mr Moyle to double check the entry. He said: ”We’re seeing everything from a two year old who is riding pillion with his parents through to someone in their 80s”.
Those on the longest 100-mile route will set off soon after 6am with cyclists on the other routes released during the morning.
Between now and Sunday the organisers are asking that anyone wishing to take part signs-up as soon as possible to help them with their planning – more information is available here. Anyone paying on the day will need to use a credit or debit card as the event will be cashless.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam