Ever Fancied a Sportive?

Published On: 22 July 2015Categories: Health, Exercise & FitnessTags: , , , ,

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For the uninitiated, a sportive is not a soft top car or an old fashioned way of describing someone who is ‘playful or frolicsome’. It is a long distance cycling event that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is the cycling equivalent of a marathon, although the distances range from a ‘beginner’ distance of 30 to 40 miles up to a bottom numbing 100 to 120 miles. More and more varieties of distances and terrain have been introduced as enthusiasm has increased.

It is also just like a marathon, as it’s non-competitive and the majority of people are happy just to complete the distance or, if the course is exactly the same, beat their previous time. It only takes an extra hill or an arrow showing the way to go blown around the wrong way for you not to be comparing like with like. They really do include people of all abilities and speeds taking part; from fast groups of cycling club members to first timers on hybrid bikes. Quite a few races, such as the Great Manchester Cycle have distances aimed at under 18’s – an easily achievable for most 13 miles. The Great Manchester Cycle is also one of the ‘closed roads’ events, which again makes it fantastic for those who a nervous of traffic. 

 

Talking of where to find them, as they have grown in popularity, they now take place all over the country, and include all terrains. If you want hills, look at the Lake District or Peak District. If you want flat as a pancake, look at the Fens in Eastern England. You could travel all over the country, seeing out of the way scenery you would be unlikely to find were you not following signs pinned to gateposts, lampposts or the rider in front. That is one of the advantages of riding a sportive – you do not have to (or should not have to – it has been know for a sign to be pointing the wrong way once or twice) use a map or your GPS. You can just sit back and enjoy cycling for cycling’s sake. Have a look at British Cycling’s page for a list in the UK.

Good luck to all our clients taking part in sportives this season. Don’t forget a post race massage will make your recovery feel much easier.

If you have any questions please contact the Didsbury Manchester Clinic on 01614455133 or email admin@g4physio.co.uk

 

 

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