Etape Du Dales sportive

Sportives

Sportives are well signed, mass-participation bike events over a variety of distances, usually on the road and over the course of a single day.

They tend to be timed, but for most people it’s more about challenging yourself to complete the distance rather than racing. Here’s everything you need to know to find a suitable sportive and prepare for it.

FIND YOUR SPORTIVE

Pick a distance
The listings will show you how far each sportive is, in miles or kilometres. A single-day sportive will often have a choice of distance options, so pick the one which suits.
Browse all sportives

Terrain and gradient
The majority take place on local roads, though there are some mountain biking and cyclocross (shown by symbol to the left) sportives. The event organisers’ websites will give more details in terms of how flat or hilly the routes are.
Find a sportive

Charity sportives
Secure a place in some of the highest-profile sportives – sometimes held on traffic-free routes – by riding for a charity. Look for the Major Event or charity logos.
UK charity sportives More charity rides

GETTING READY

Your bike
Road bikes are most popular for the longer sportives, though a hybrid bike is also an option. Whatever the type, ensure it’s in good working order by getting it serviced.
Bike maintenance advice

What to wear
Lycra’s not compulsory! But don’t wear something too loose-fitting as it will slow you down. Layer up for the British weather and always wear a helmet. Bike gloves, a breathable waterproof jacket, sunglasses and sunscreen are other key items.
Cycling clothing tips

On your feet
Clipless pedals improve efficiency, but do take a little getting used to – flat pedals or cages (both of which you can use with trainers) are alternatives.
Different types of shoes

Training rides
Study your sportive route and get used to riding comparable distances and climbs. "And always be on guard when you are riding your bike, no matter how straight the road is and no matter how low the traffic is," says former pro Tom Danielson.
More tips from Tom

ON THE DAY

What to take
"Have enough food and water for the ride together with puncture repair kits, spare inner tubes, and multi-tools. Also, carry cash and your mobile in a waterproof cover," advises cycling legend Sean Kelly.
Sean's top tips

Be prepared
Be sure you know how to use everything and that it fits in your saddle bag or back pockets. And don’t try anything new on the day – go with tried and tested.

Riding in a group
This can be daunting at first, but there are lots of benefits as you’ll share the workload and be much more sheltered - click the links below to learn more.
Beginners guide to riding with others Find a cycling club

Fuel yourself
The key is eating and drinking regularly before, during and after your ride, mixing carbs and protein.
Nutrition for cycling

WHAT'S NEXT?

The world's your oyster
Once you’ve built up the distance you can start to look at some of the most famous sportives such as RideLondon and L'Etape du Tour, a climbing stage of the Tour de France. Multi-day rides at home and abroad are other great options.
Major sportives London to Paris More overseas rides