The organisers of the Etape Caledonia have announced a new closed-road UK sportive for 2012 – the Etape Pennines. IMG Challenger World reckon it’s the first English event of its kind, discounting the women-only Cycletta series.
Scotland, Wales and Ireland have the Etapes of Caledonia, Cymru and Hibernia respectively, so the new event will shorten the distance many have to travel to experience a traffic-free sportive. Although no firm route details have been released, the first edition is scheduled for 7 October 2012 on a ‘challenging’ 78-mile course in County Durham. Entry is £61 and is open now.
James Robinson, managing director of IMG Challenger World, said: "We've been working on expanding our cycling events programme as Etape Caledonia and Etape Hibernia have been so successful. We bring a unique concept to sportive riders and are extremely pleased to have been able to bring a new event to England in the great location of County Durham. We'll be working hard over the next 12 months to ensure riders have an incredible experience."
