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Final preparations ahead of popular Broughton Castle Sportive cycling challenge
07/07/2023
Hundreds of cyclists will set off on one of five routes on Sunday
Final preparations are underway ahead of Sunday’s Broughton Castle Sportive. Over 400 cyclists have already signed-up for the annual cycling challenge. Many more expected to join them now the weather for the weekend is known.
The popular annual cycling challenge has five different length routes, for seasoned cyclists and family riders alike.
This year marks the 12th Sportive, which is organised by the Rotary Club of Banbury Cherwell. They have spent the last few days making sure everything is in place for when the riders arrive early on Sunday morning.
Chris May is leading a team of Rotarians and other volunteers organising the Sportive. Chris said: “The site looks good. The grass has been mowed and we’ve got all the marquees, tables and chairs in place.
“We’ve got Marston’s brewery arriving with all their equipment, so we’re going to have on tap beer and on tap lager.”
Cyclists on the 100-mile route set off early, leaving Broughton Castle at around 6.30am. Around 100 cyclists will be taking on that challenge, which heads out as far as Winchcombe near Cheltenham, taking in locations such as Broadway, Moreton-in-Marsh and Shipston.
Other routes include distances of 75, 50 and 25 miles and a shorter family fun ride.
The Broughton Castle Sportive raises funds for Rotary charities with a number of sponsors supporting this year’s event.
Chris said: “We’re delighted to have Tugo who are doing the catering for us with vegetarian style, upmarket foods. They’re being very, very generous, providing the food and the chefs to prepare it.
“JDE is celebrating 100 years of the Kenko coffee brand this year. To support that we’ve got the Kenko Centenary Climb – a brutal hill climb out of Whichford. It’s a Strava timed section with a giant jar of coffee at the top and bottom to show the riders where they need to start exerting themselves up the hill!”
Online registrations to take part are open until midday tomorrow (Saturday) and you can also just turn up on the day.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam