British Cycling confirm the route and entry details for the British
Cyclosportive on Sunday 1st July 2007.
The start is in historic Greenwich, offering
a panoramic backdrop of Docklands, the City of London and St Paul’s Cathedral.
It will pass the National Maritime Museum and head out of London past the Thames
barrier across Kent towards Canterbury.
Entries open on 1st March and 5000 riders will have the opportunity to complete
the 117mile (187km) route, tracing much of the same route as stage 1 of the
2007 Tour de France.
The ride will offer a unique opportunity to take part in a mass cycling event
starting in London and finishing within sight of the English Channel.
The route will take in some of the south’s most famous countryside and
picturesque towns, including Rochester and Royal Tunbridge Wells before passing
Kent County Cricket Club, Canterbury’s famous Roman city walls and finishing
on Rheims Way.
Jonny Clay, Competition and Events Manager of British Cycling commented: "We
are delighted to offer the rare opportunity to ride such an iconic route. It
has a mix of climbs, rolling countryside and flat terrain that will appeal to
all levels of cyclist. The route is stunning and passes major landmarks, castles,
villages and towns along the way."
"There will be transponder chip timing and four feed stations along the
fully waymarked and marshalled route. Riders will be able to experience what
it’s like to take part in a major tour event, without having to go abroad
or get back on their bikes the following morning!"
Sports Tours International will be the Exclusive Sports Travel Partner of the
event, offering packages including entries from 1st March. It is anticipated
that interest from overseas riders will be high, and Sports Tours will be able
to offer tailored accommodation and entry packages through their dedicated sports
travel web site.
Canterbury City Council's Tourism Manager, Neil McCollum, said: "This event
offers cyclists a wonderful chance to experience the Tour de France route through
the southeast of England, and we look forward to welcoming them to Canterbury.
While they are here, we hope they will take the opportunity to enjoy the city's
wide range of pubs, restaurants, shops and visitor attractions."
Former England football star, Geoff Thomas, has pledged to ride the British
Cyclosportive and entice former team mates out of their boots and onto a bike.
The Geoff Thomas Foundation is the official charity of the event.
He commented: "Since being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia, cycling
has been a major focus of my recuperation. I’m delighted to be involved
in this event and that it will benefit research into leukaemia."
Thomas will use the British Cyclosportive as a warm up for his Tour de France
fundraising challenge, where he and other cancer survivors aim to complete every
stage two days after the professional riders.
- Entries will go live on www.everydaycycling.com
at 12pm on 1st March.
- Alternatively call Pennine Events on 01695 682020 from the 1st March.
- Entries cost £40 including a £2 voluntary donation to the Geoff
Thomas Foundation.
- Transport back to the start is available at a cost of £12.
Route information
Towns distance from Start (approx km)
Woolwich 6
Dartford 20
Gravesend 31
Rochester 40
Aylsford 54
Tonbridge 78
Royal Tunbridge Wells 87
Horsmonden 103
Sissinghurst 116
Tenterden 129
Stubbs Cross 146
Port Lympne 159
Farthing Common 167
Canterbury 187
Pootle 
