Amateur cyclists take to roads of Northamptonshire inspired by Aviva Women's Tour

The event follows the success of the Aviva Women’s Tour which ended in Kettering on June 19 with World Champion Lizzie Armitstead winning the Yellow Jersey at the end of the Northamptonshire stage.

The Tour Ride Northamptonshire sportive will celebrate the Women’s Tour as well as encouraging and inspiring a new generation of cyclists.

The routes on offer include a great 10-mile Fun Ride ideal for families and novice cyclists alike, using beautiful bridleways and canal paths within Northampton.

For those looking for a tougher challenge the 40-mile Challenge Ride is ideal for those new to cycling, including rolling hills and a HIGH5 Feed station at Daventry Leisure Centre. The 80-mile route takes in the majority of the route the professional women rode on Stage 5 of the Aviva Women’s Tour including both of the Strava Queen of the Mountain Climbs in Daventry and Naseby.

Andy Hawes, the Aviva Women’s Tour route director, said “The two climbs on the Tour Ride sportive are both very different. Newnham Hill is a punchy climb of around 1.5km in length and is worth attacking from the mid-section to crest over the top and enjoy the descent the other side into Daventry.

“The climb into Naesby is a much easier climb allowing for you to settle into a rhythm and enjoy the surrounding countryside.”

All the routes start and finish at the historic Delapre Abbey on the outskirts of Northampton, located in the iconic Abbey grounds will be a number of activities including children’s Crazy Bikes, Mountain Bike stunt shows, event village and not to mention a replica finishing straight from the Women’s Tour to give riders the chance to feel like the Pro’s.

The 40 and 80-mile routes will include Feed stations stocked with HIGH5 Nutrition and Soreen bars along with a selection of other goodies, mechanical support will be provided by Vittoria on the day and two BROTHER Neutral service cars will be on route helping riders enjoy their experience.

Online entries for the Tour Ride Northamptonshire close on Friday July 15 at 3pm, however don’t worry if you’ve not entered in time or decide at the last minute, there will be entries on the day at Delapre Abbey from 6am, with the first riders setting off from 8am. The fun ride starts at 9:30am.