Up for a challenge? The multi-day Tour of Wessex sportive is back in 2014, and it's packing some heavyweight sponsorship muscle from Trek and Shimano.
But apart from the addition of the international brands showing off their wares, little has changed in the three-day, 335-mile climb fest's formula.
The sportive is scheduled for the long weekend over the 24-26 May 2014 and organisers hope the eighth edition of the event will keep breaking participation and enjoyment levels.
It hopes to attract thousands of riders – including international entries – to the South West's rolling terrain and bike friendly roads. Favourite haunts including climbs out of Cheddar Gorge, King Alfred's Tower and the Porlock Toll Road are on the itinerary.
Besides the three 100-plus mile distances held on leg-burning consecutive days for the lion-hearted, the sportive will also hold a selection of shorter distances to suit newcomers. Participants can pick and choose what rides they feel like doing.
Stunning Scenery in the 2013 Tour of Wessex
Somerton in Somerset again plays host and will lay on family entertainment as well as facilities to help participants recover for the next day's action.
For the truly dedicated, three free training recce weekends will be put on in the months leading up to the event. Organisers have even laid on a two-week winter training camp programme in Majorca between 1-15 March.
For more information and to sign up visit the Tour of Wessex website
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