This popular classic event promoted jointly by Winchcombe CC and Cheltenham and County CC will be held on Sunday 10 April 2011 starting from the picturesque Cotswold Town of Winchcombe with a mass start of riders.

2011 is the 27th year of the event. The first event in 1984 was the brainchild of the late Pat Smith and Tim Groom who had ridden the Paris-Roubaix sportif and wanted to bring the flavour of that event to the Cotswolds.

The event has taken place in April each year except for two occasions. In 1986 it was abandoned due to deep snow, making it impossible to travel and so it was postponed to September. Also, in 2001, when we had the outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease, a similar postponement also occurred. Last year the event attracted over 1100 riders.

Route

There will be a 100Km route for the really keen riders and a 50Km route for those who know how tough the off-road Cotswold Hills can be! The routes will be signed with direction arrows throughout, supplemented by a printed map and will also be available as a digital Tracklogs GPS route.

The event will use a classic route consisting of tarmac roads and bridleways including everything from technical rocky single track to rutted possibly muddy tracks and will offer a challenge to all levels of rider. Refreshments will be available at approximately half distance.

All riders must wear a Helmet whilst participating in the event. Riders will be identified by a self adhesive number that will be affixed to the helmet. A limit of 1200 entrants will be accepted and all entries must be made in advance.

Entry fees

Riders over 18 years of age £15.00 pre-entry only Youth Riders (under 18 years of age on 10/04/2011) £6.00 pre- entry only. Last year the organisers donated over £3000 to various charities including Cancer Research and the Air Ambulance.

Entering the event

Online entering will be available from 3rd January 2011, 10am onwards.

Go to the following website www.honc.org.uk for more info.

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HONC Junior Award – supported by Marin

Continuing the tradition of recent year’s awards, Marin will present a brand new bike to be drawn out of the hat for one lucky under 18 year old who completes the HONC course. This year, the model of bike is a Marin Shoreline Trail cross-country mountain bike with a lightweight double-butted 6061-T6 aluminium alloy frame, 100mm travel Suntour XCM V3 front suspension fork, Shimano 171 crankset, Shimano drivetrain and V- brakes, Geax Saguaro tyres. This bike retails at £399.