The Cycling Plus Sportive was the opening road event at BikeRadar Live, and those who took part in it certainly found it a challenge.
The furnace-like temperatures on Saturday were somewhat mitigated by the leafy lanes that featured heavily in all three routes, but most riders still found it a struggle to stay hydrated on such a hot day.
Wayne Beba completed the 106 mile sportive in 6:17:18 while his friend Keith Watson managed 6:58:27. They hail from nearby East Kent but this was their first experience of West Kentish roads.
BikeRadar spoke to the pair as they were recovering in the finish tent.
"Awesome but brutal" were their first impressions.
"The first 40 miles lured us into a false sense of security. The final hill was a killer, but the last 3-4 miles was lovely."
It was the pair's first sportive and they handled it well, managing to drink plenty of water to ensure they got around. "There was enough water. We just got around on two bottles. The key today was to drink every five minutes."
Besides the final climbs, there was also the fearsome Wynd after 43 miles. It's like the Muur van Geraardsbergen in terms of steepness, but without the cobbles. "It was steep," said Wayne. "If it was any longer it would have been deadly. We also struggled for traction."
But overall, they loved the roads. "The surface here is so much better than East Kent. If you tried to run this there you'd be all over the road with buckled rims."
How did it feel to get over the final hill and finish? "You certainly have euphoria when you turn in here (to Brands Hatch)," said Wayne. "I was so chuffed I was almost crying at the end. It sounds silly but now I know why footballers cry and why Mark Cavendish did the other day."
"We loved every bit of it."
A hot day in Kent
574 riders started the sportive on the finishing straight of the Brands Hatch circuit at 8am. One lap around the Indy circuit and they were off, descending for the first 8 miles then winding their way through the lanes to West and East Malling, Wateringbury and (save for the 50 milers) Hunton Hill, before eventually reaching Headcorn, where the first feed zone was.
A quick top up of ZipVit and water there and the 106 mile riders headed further east to Charing and Badlesmere before returning to Headcorn and joining the rest of the route, while the 71 mile riders started their return leg via Staplehurst, Marden and Winchet Hill.
Another feed stop at Brenchley with 20 miles to go was much needed, as the riders still faced two more climbs: the less severe one from Shipbourne up to Ivy Hatch, then a real sting in the tail from Ightham up to the A20. This climb saw many riders walk, seeking shaded spots on the steep ascent to try to keep their cool. Most, however, enjoyed the final 5 miles back to Brands Hatch, where they finished their various challenges. Times ranged from not much over five hours to nine and a half hours for the 106 miles to two and a half hours for the 50 miler
Those who finished felt a real sense of achievement while also appreciating the picturesque course that had been laid out by Derek Williams. The signage was clear and the feed stations were well placed.
Your photo finish
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Results
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