Newcastleton Cross-Border Classic Sportive Weekend

Building on the success of last year the Newcastleton Cross-Border Classic Sportives fuelled by Accelerade are back in April 2013 with a slightly hilly twist. Not only will there be two days of road riding in the wild and rugged landscape of the Scottish Borders, Cumbria and Northumberland, riders can also test their mettle in the Copshaw Cracker Hill Climb TT the night before.

Taking place over the weekend of 5th to 7th April, Friday night will kick off with the four mile hill climb open to anyone over 12 years of age. Starting in the village centre the route climbs around 800ft up towards the county border and ends by ringing the ‘Bagdad Bell’ on Black Edge Moor. Saturday and Sunday will offer a choice of up to four sportive routes with distances ranging from 45 to 90 miles to ease you into the sportive season. The sportives will offer all of the usual facilities with well marked and signed routes, feed stations stocked with energy drink from our sponsors Accelerade, broom wagon, mechanical assistance and event photography. All this and two days of superb almost traffic free road riding for only £35 or £20 per day.

All of the routes start in the village of Newcastleton, the perfect base to explore this often overlooked area of mainland Britain with its quiet lanes, Romans roads, challenging terrain and magnificent scenery. On Saturday two routes head south into England (45 or 90 miles) along Hadrian’s Wall and up past Kielder reservoir. On Sunday two head north into Scotland (50 or 75 miles) through Eskdalemuir on some seemingly never ending descents. Choose either route on either day, or just one day riding and the other day exploring some of the many other activities the area has to offer.

For more information about the sportives, the hill climb and to enter please visit www.border-classic-sportive.co.uk. To find out more about the area and for accommodation information take a look at www.visitnewcastleton.com.