Frequently Asked Questions

Important Event Information:

We want to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants in our Sportives. Please take note of the following essential guidelines:

Safety and Responsibility: Our Sportives will take place on open roads, meaning you are solely responsible for your own safety. Please ride in accordance with the Highway Code and exercise caution at all times. Remember, our Sportives are NOT a race.

Carry Identification: It is mandatory for all riders to carry a form of ID that includes your emergency contact number. This helps us ensure your well-being in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

Helmet Requirement: Helmets are compulsory for all participants and must adhere to CE standards EN1078. Starting without a helmet or discarding it during the ride will result in immediate withdrawal from the event. This policy is in place to maintain event insurance validity, as provided by British Cycling.

Roadworthy Bikes: It is essential that your bike is roadworthy for the Sportive. Time Trial bikes are not allowed, and the use of triathlon handlebars or time trial bar extensions is prohibited for safety reasons. Participants with these fittings will be asked to remove them or will be withdrawn from the event.

NO LITTERING– if you are caught littering you will be asked to leave the course and will be banned from future events.

Under 18 Participants: If you are under 18, a signed parental consent form must be completed by your parent or guardian and presented during event sign-on.

Bike and Equipment Responsibility: Participants are responsible for ensuring their bike and associated equipment are in good working order. If the event is scheduled in low light conditions or may finish in darkness, front and rear lights must be used with sufficient battery life for the entire event.

No Use of Earphones: For safety reasons, the use of earphones, such as MP3 players or iPods, is prohibited during the event.

British Cycling Event Insurance: Our event is registered with British Cycling and carries their Event Insurance. This provides public (third party) liability insurance cover for the organiser, participants*, event officials, and volunteers throughout the event. Please refer to the British Cycling Event insurance guidelines for further details.

British Cycling Membership and Insurance: Individual insurance cover will only be provided to participants who are Race Gold, Race Silver, or Ride Members of British Cycling. Additional membership details can be found on their website.

Thank you for familiarising yourself with these important guidelines. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a safe and successful Sportive experience.

Roadworthy bike- Time Trial bikes will not be allowed. The use of triathlon handlebars or other time trial bar extensions is not permitted. If your bike is not deemed roadworthy or you have a Time Trial bike, you will not be able to take part and no refund will be given.

GPS computer if you have one (don’t forget to charge it)

Helmet conforming to CE standards EN1078. You are required to wear your helmet whilst riding your bike for the duration of the event.

Water bottle (ideally two)- please note you won’t be able to fill your bottles at registration.

Nutrition for the ride- you will need enough food to keep you going the duration of the ride.

Waterproof lightweight clothing

Inner Tubes– 2 x spare inner tubes, hand pump and tyre levers

Tools- basic tool kit

Lights– Front and rear lights

What3Words– Download the App What3Words

Please note that pre-event information will be emailed out to you a week before the event. This ensures you have all the up-to-date details and helpful guidance at your fingertips.

In the meantime, if you have any questions or need any assistance, the team are here to assist you, so do get in touch. We’re here to help and make sure you’re fully prepared for an incredible experience.

Get Ready to Refuel!

We understand the importance of keeping you fuelled and hydrated throughout your ride. That’s why we provide well-stocked feed stations along the routes. You can find more detailed information about what’s available at each station in the event notes prior to the event.

You can expect an assortment of sweet and savoury treats, as well as water to keep you hydrated.

Don’t worry about the logistics either. As fellow cyclists ourselves, we know the importance of well-positioned feed stations. You’ll find them strategically placed along each route, ensuring easy access when you need that extra boost.

For comprehensive details about our feed stations, be sure to check out the event notes. We’ve got you covered from start to finish, making sure your ride is as enjoyable as possible. So, get ready to refuel and experience the satisfaction of a well-supported cycling event!

Guiding Your Way!

We understand the importance of clear and reliable signage during your cycling event. That’s why we go the extra mile to ensure all routes are marked with our UK Sportives branded, bright and easily visible signage. No need to worry about getting lost or missing a turn—we’ve got you covered!

But wait, there’s more! We also provide a GPX file of the route. This allows you to navigate with ease using cycle navigation devices and popular smartphone cycle apps. Simply load the GPX file, and you’ll have turn-by-turn directions right at your fingertips.

With our combination of well-placed signage and the convenience of digital route guidance, you can focus on enjoying your ride without any navigational stress. We’ve thoughtfully designed this feature to enhance your experience and keep you on track towards your cycling goals.

So, rest assured, we’ve taken care of the details. Get ready to follow the signs and ride confidently, knowing that you’ll be guided every step of the way. Let’s embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure together!

Safety and Enjoyment for All!

At UK Sportives, we prioritise the enjoyment of every participant, regardless of their cycling ability. However, it is essential for us to establish cut-off times to ensure the safety and logistical efficiency of our events. You can find specific cut-off times outlined in the Event document corresponding to each event.

As a general guideline, we recommend maintaining an average speed of 10 miles per hour over the distance of your chosen event. This will help ensure that you can comfortably complete the route within the allocated time frame.

We understand that everyone has their own pace and capabilities, and we strive to accommodate a wide range of cyclists. The cut-off times are designed to provide a fair and manageable schedule for all participants, as well as to maintain a smooth flow of the event.

Remember, the primary focus is on creating an enjoyable and safe experience for everyone involved. So, while we encourage you to challenge yourself, it’s important to keep in mind the suggested average speed to ensure a positive and rewarding sportive adventure.

If you have any specific questions about cut-off times or need further clarification, please refer to the Event document or feel free to contact us. We’re here to support you and help make your sportive experience truly enjoyable.

Your Safety is Our Priority!

Your safety is of utmost importance to us, and we want to ensure that you are well-prepared in the event of an emergency. Here’s what you need to know:

Save our Emergency Contact Number: Please take a moment to save our designated emergency contact number, which can be found in the event notes. It’s always a good idea to have this number readily available on your phone before you set off.

Dial 999 for Extreme Emergencies: In cases of extreme emergencies where immediate assistance from emergency services is required, dial 999 first.

Utilise the ‘What 3 Words’ App: We highly recommend downloading the free ‘What 3 Words’ app. This innovative app helps pinpoint your precise location, making it easier for both the emergency services and our team to locate you quickly and efficiently. Having the app on your phone can be extremely beneficial in times of need.

Rest assured that we have comprehensive safety measures in place, and we are prepared to respond promptly to any emergency situations that may arise during the event. Your well-being is our top priority, and we want to ensure that you have the necessary resources to handle any unforeseen circumstances.

If you have any further questions or require additional information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help and support to ensure your peace of mind throughout the event. Stay safe and enjoy the ride!

As you roll triumphantly over the finish line, our team of friendly and enthusiastic volunteers will be there, cheering you on. Take a moment to bask in your glory of the incredible achievement you’ve just accomplished.

Strike a pose and capture your epic moment with our event photographer. Flash a big, triumphant smile or strike a victory pose as our photographers capture your awesomeness for eternity. It’s the perfect way to immortalise your incredible accomplishment and show off your sporting prowess to the world!

Make sure to get some warm clothes on and make your way to the refreshment area as it’s time to refuel and replenish your energy levels. We’ve got a range of refreshments waiting for you. Indulge in some delicious treats and let your taste buds celebrate your victory too. After all, you’ve earned it!

Your Peace of Mind Matters to Us!

At UK Sportives, we believe in transparency, simplicity, and treating our participants with fairness. We want you to have complete confidence in your booking experience. Here’s our straightforward refund/cancellation policy:

Event Cancellation by UK Sportives:

In the unlikely event that UK Sportives cancels an event for any reason, we will notify you promptly via the email address you provided during registration.

If an event is cancelled by UK Sportives at any time, you will receive a full refund of 100% of the entry fee. The refund will be processed and returned to the original payment card used for the event ticket purchase.

Please note that refunds may take up to 14 days to appear in your bank account. We will notify you via email when the refund is processed.

Customer Cancellation:

If you, as a customer, choose to cancel your event ticket for any reason and do so more than 28 days before the event start time, you will receive a full refund of 100% of the entry fee*. To initiate the refund process, please email [email protected] with your full name and confirm that you would like to withdraw from the event.

*Please be aware that the administrative fee is non-refundable in the case of customer-initiated cancellations.

However, if you decide to cancel your event ticket at any time, less than 28 days before the event start time, no refund, rebooking, or voucher will be issued.

Our aim is to provide clarity and fairness in all refund and cancellation matters. We want to ensure that you have a positive experience and understand the refund policies in place. If you have any further questions or require additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to assist you and ensure your satisfaction throughout your journey with UK Sportives.