Short sportives

Short sportives

Mass-participation road cycling events perfectly suited to first timers.

38 Short sportives in the UK

Short distance sportives are mass-participation road cycling events over distances of up to around 40 miles. Events are typically well sign-posted with feeding stations and mechanical support along the route and so are popular with all levels of cyclists looking for a ride out in an organised event. Select your location for sportives in your area or scroll down to browse events.

Short sportives in 2023

Featured events are listed below - select your region to see all events.

Short sportives in 2024

Featured events are listed below - select your region to see all events.

An early season ride in the heart of Berkshire featuring some of the very best of the North Wessex Downs AONB. Earn your medal on the super Cool route!
  • Sun 14 Apr 2024
  • £32.40
Reading, Berkshire, UK

RIDE Wessex Downs | Cool

An early season ride in the heart of Berkshire featuring some of the very best of the North Wessex Downs AONB. Earn your medal on the super Cool route!

  • 34 miles road cycling + 158 m ascent
This popular early season sportive offers a mixture of open, flowing, flat roads combined with a couple of testing climbs. Children aged 11+ can join in accompanied.
  • Sun 28 Apr 2024
  • £45
Honiton, Devon, UK

Taunton Flyer | Spitfire Route

This popular early season sportive offers a mixture of open, flowing, flat roads combined with a couple of testing climbs. Children aged 11+ can join in accompanied.

  • 37 miles road cycling + 2500 ft ascent
The beginner-friendly ride of the Ride the Reservoir event! Take in some of the forgotten pathways of Birmingham, mostly on canals, cycle paths and trails.
  • Sun 28 Apr 2024
  • £10-£20
Birmingham, West Midlands, UK

Ride The Reservoir | 25km

The beginner-friendly ride of the Ride the Reservoir event! Take in some of the forgotten pathways of Birmingham, mostly on canals, cycle paths and trails.

  • 25 km mountain biking
2024 date tbc. Starting from the Royal British Legion's Battle Back Centre, ride a flat route on quiet Shropshire country lanes, an ideal introduction to anyone new to organised road cycling events.
  • Sun 5 May 2024
  • £28-£32
Newport, Shropshire, UK

Poppy Ride | Shropshire | 40km

2024 date tbc. Starting from the Royal British Legion's Battle Back Centre, ride a flat route on quiet Shropshire country lanes, an ideal introduction to anyone new to organised road cycling events.

  • 40 km road cycling
One of the biggest charity sportives in the East offering a flat and fast route ideal for an early-season time or to sample a longer ride. Earn your medal on the super Cool route!
  • Sun 19 May 2024
  • £23.85-£32.40
Woodbridge, UK

RIDE Suffolk Sunrise | Cool

One of the biggest charity sportives in the East offering a flat and fast route ideal for an early-season time or to sample a longer ride. Earn your medal on the super Cool route!

  • 42 miles road cycling
Ideal for those looking for their first mass participation bike ride. This special 30-mile ride on traffic-free roads passes through central London to Essex and is ideal for people of all abilities.
  • Sun 26 May 2024
  • £25
London, UK

RideLondon | Essex 30

Ideal for those looking for their first mass participation bike ride. This special 30-mile ride on traffic-free roads passes through central London to Essex and is ideal for people of all abilities.

  • 30 miles road cycling
Part of Action's RIDE Series, join the charity's celebrity ambassador and TV presenter Davina McCall on this Sussex bike ride raising funds for sick babies and children.
  • Sun 2 Jun 2024
  • £23.85
Uckfield, East Sussex, UK

Davina's Big Sussex Bike RIDE | Cool

Part of Action's RIDE Series, join the charity's celebrity ambassador and TV presenter Davina McCall on this Sussex bike ride raising funds for sick babies and children.

  • 27 miles road cycling
Close your cycling season on a stunning ride through the Essex countryside, as you journey through quiet villages and farmlands. The Cool ride, part of the RIDE Series, is ideal for newcomers.
  • Sun 1 Sep 2024
  • £32.40
Chelmsford, Essex, UK

RIDE Essex | Cool

Close your cycling season on a stunning ride through the Essex countryside, as you journey through quiet villages and farmlands. The Cool ride, part of the RIDE Series, is ideal for newcomers.

  • 36 miles road cycling + 1079 ft ascent

Short sportives near you

Select your location for short distance sportives in your area.