Have you got a cycling challenge in mind for 2018? A clear and specific goal, like a cycling challenge, can help you stay motivated and keep on top of your training. If you’ve not yet set a goal for the New Year, take a look at our cycling challenges for 2018. We’ve added a range of events for different abilities, so you’re sure to find the perfect inspiration.
When: Sunday 17th June
Where: Friden, The Peak District
Price: From £50
If you have a pre-1987 bike that’s sat in your garage gathering dust, get it out, clean it up and sign up for Eroica Britannia. This quirky event - named as the world's most handsome bike ride - offers challenging Peak District terrain, add to that the significantly heavier frames of bikes of old and you have a tough challenge for any beginner cyclist.
When: Sunday 12th August
Where: Thirsk, Yorkshire
Price: From £31
Taking on your first sportive in 2018? Why not choose one which makes you feel like a pro? On the Wiggle Yorkshire Tour you’ll be riding through some of the best scenery Yorkshire has to offer and you’ll take in parts of the Tour de France’s ‘Grand Depart’ so you can truly see what the pro’s contend with during the Tour.
3. Grinduro
When: Saturday 15th July
Where: Isle of Arran, Scotland
Price: TBC
Grinduro is a new type of bike race, which has come across from America after the rise in popularity of the ‘Gravel Grinder’ format. The course is 60 miles, so not for the feint hearted, but the festival atmosphere will make up for it once you’ve finished the challenge.
4. Track accreditation
When: Courses run throughout the year
Where: National Cycling Centre Manchester, Lee Valley Velopark London, Derby Arena, Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome Glasgow and Wales National Velodrome Newport
Price: Varies by location
If you’ve been cycling for a while, make 2018 the year you try something new and get accredited on the track. Accreditation allows you to ride structured quality training (SQT) sessions and take part in track leagues.
When: TBC
Where: Grasmere, The Lake District
Price: TBC
The Fred Whitton Challenge has been a firm favourite amongst cyclists for years. The 112 mile route takes in some of the toughest terrain in the UK, including epic climbs like Hardknott Pass.
When: Sunday 1st July
Where: Edinburgh, Scotland
Price: From £220
When you have been riding for a while it’s easy for things to become repetitive. You ride out with the club at the weekend and complete your structured training during the week. If you’re stuck in a repetitive cycle and you’re losing motivation, mix things up this new year by signing up for something completely new like Ironman 70.3 Edinburgh, which will see you cycling through the Lothians.
7. Maserati Haute Route Norway
When: 3rd - 5th August 2018
Where: Stavanger region, Norway
Price: From NOK 7450
Following the success of their 3-day concept, launched in 2017, Haute Route are expanding their challenge list to bring you an epic event offering the most beautiful (and most challenging) terrain in Europe.
8. RideLondon
When: Sunday 29th July
Where: London
Price: From £69
If 2018 is the year you are going for a century, there’s no better even than RideLondon 100. On closed roads, you’ll ride the routes made famous in the London 2012 Olympics including classics like Box Hill. If you want to enter, you’ll need to hurry, as ballots close on 5th January.
When: 4th - 8th March
Where: Cape Winelands, South Africa
Price: From £999
This 5-day tour of the Cape Winelands takes in the stunning scenery of South Africa. Don’t be fooled by the relaxed atmosphere though, as this serious event will have you riding as a peloton at average speeds of approximately 18mph. There’s also the option of seeded entry into the Cape Town Cycle Tour, to finish your event in style.
10. Haute Route Alps
When: 26th August - 1st September
Where: French Alps
Price: From €1595
The Haute Route is a series of events dubbed the ‘highest and toughest cyclosportives in the world’ and the Haute Route Alps does not disappoint. During this 7-day epic you’ll take on 20,000m of climbs as you weave your way through one of Europe’s greatest cycling playgrounds. You’ll truly experience what it means to ‘ride like a pro’.
