The first-ever CX Sportive is filling up fast – with 37 per cent of entrants thus far opting to use a mountain bike on the multi-terrain course.

From the organisers of the Trail Break events, the CX Sportive, on Sunday January 30 in Woodcote, near Reading, pits riders against twisting back lanes, unmade and semi-surfaced tracks and bridleways, and a peppering of single track and semi-technical off-road.

The event offers three routes – CXXX (80km – £17), CXX (60km – £16) and CX (40km – £15) – with competitors required to specify their chosen steed before riding.

To date, forty eight per cent are opting for a cyclo-cross bike, seven per cent will brave a road bike, three per cent will ride a 29er and two per cent will tackle the route on a hybrid.

“Your choice of steed will define your ride,” reckon the organisers. “Will the versatility of an MTB offer the best performance over mixed terrain? Will the pure speed of your road bike make up for time lost on the short, occasional off-road dismounts? Or will the CX bike give you the best return where it counts?”

For more information and to enter, head to www.cxsportive.com