White Rose Classic - Yorkshire's 'Must Do' Sportive

Ilkley Cycle Club adopted the White Rose Classic since the club reformed in 2012 and has been running the event since then. Our aim is to make the event attractive to all levels of sportive rider and an enjoyable day out in the dales supported by a friendly volunteers. 

We offer 3 routes that cater for various levels of experience, ranging from 50 miles to 120 miles that will take you in to the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Once on route you will enjoy some beautiful scenery made famous by the Tour de France in 2014, subsequent editions of the Tour de Yorkshire and then the UCI world champshipsf in 2019, you will weave yourself around the dales before finishing your ride at our HQ where you can relax in the post ride village and enjoy a drink with food where friends and family are welcome to join you.   We provide onsite free parking, fully signed routes, first aid support, fully stocked feed stops and mechanical support, in addition we provide a free post ride meal to each rider in the event village. 

The White Rose Classic is organised and run entirely by volunteers from Ilkley Cycling Club along with their friends & family. All profits from the event go towards promoting grassroots cycling initiatives, local charities including Nell Bank and supporting our youth development programme, along with encouraging more men and women to ride bikes as per the club motto "From Recreation to Racing.” 

We are pleased to make road cycling more accessible to all. Don't be intimidated: ride solo or with friends in a supportive environment where you can push yourself and help others.

Info for Riders

The White Rose Classic offers three challenging routes which will take you into the heart of the stunning Yorkshire Dales. Depending on the route you choose you will tackle some of the iconic climbs which have made Yorkshire a cycling mecca. All routes start and end in Ilkley and none are to be taken lightly!

The Short one - This route will take up and down the stunning Wharfedale Valley before returning to HQ - you’ll tackle some lumps and bumps along the way and stop at the first feed stop in Grassington before returning to HQ for a well earned drink and food. This route is suitable for all levels of a sportive rider.

The Challenge  - We will take further in to the dales on this route where you will tackle some well known climbs in the dales, you will stop in Grassington to refuel before heading on to Settle for the final refuel opportunity before tackling a climb out of settle and then heading back to HQ via a well known local climb just before the finish line. This route is suitable for those looking to step up to a route that offers a mix of rolling roads with a few climbs thrown in.

The Epic one - This is a challenging route that takes you deep in to the heart of the Yorkshire Dales and is not for the faint hearted. This route will challenge the most accomplished sportive rider as you head deep in to the dales, tackle some famous climbs before returning to HQ. There are 3 feed stops for you to refuel at, Grassington, Hawes and Settle before you head back to HQ - when you cross the finish line you will feel a sense of pride and accomplishment and look forward to your free post ride meal. This route is not recommended for those not comfortable doing 100+ miles.

Check out the website for further details on all the routes: http://whiteroseclassic.org.uk