IMG Challenger World, organizers of the Marie Curie Cancer Care Etape Pennines, the first closed road sportive in England, is pleased to announce route details for the 7th October 2012 event.

Above: Click the map to download the full size route map (PDF file)

The 2012 Marie Curie Cancer Care Etape Pennines route has been released and promises to showcase the beautiful countryside of the North East of England with a 78 mile route round County Durham.

Starting at Ushaw College, just a few miles from Durham city, the route heads south towards Witton Park, host to the first climb of the day, before turning west through the rolling countryside in Middleton-in-Teesdale for the second climb. Following a quick descent, its north again via St John’s Chapel to Blanchland with a few climbs along the way before heading east back through Castleside to the finish at Ushaw College.

With well stocked feedstops, mechanical back up on the route and marshals at strategic points, the priority is on rider care and providing a safe and enjoyable day’s riding. The event will be run on closed roads at all times and in order to make this traffic free environment possible, the route will have to cross several main arterial roads. At these points specially trained marshals will be operating level crossing style crossing points for the duration of the event, stopping vehicle traffic and cyclists in turn to make safe crossing possible. Timing mats will be on each side of these crossings so riders times will not be penalised if there is any delay at these points.

James Robinson, Managing Director of IMG Challenger World, has been working closely with the event team on the route since the event’s inception, “We are really pleased and excited to be bringing the first closed road sportive in England to County Durham as the course has been designed to offer riders a challenging and rewarding ride in the stunning countryside of the North East. Rider safety and enjoyment is paramount at all times and to this end we have been working with the Police and Durham County Council to ensure a traffic free route for the entire event. We will be working very hard over the next 11 months to make sure the first closed road sportive in England will be every bit as successful as its sister event - the Marie Curie Cancer Care Etape Caledonia.”

The event will be supported by Durham County Council, which has committed to providing around £30,000 of in-kind aid. Steve Howell, Head of Sport and Leisure said: “County Durham has a rapidly growing global reputation as a fantastic venue for world class cycling spectaculars.

“We are delighted our county has been chosen to host this event and feel sure the breathtaking countryside and unique geographical challenges offered by the Dales, will prove hugely popular.”

Marie Curie Cancer Care is the official Charity Partner of the Etape Series 2012. All funds raised by cyclists taking part in the Marie Curie Cancer Care Etape Pennines will enable Marie Curie Nurses to provide more free care and support to terminally ill people and their families. For more information and entry details on the Marie Curie Cancer Care Etape Pennines please visit www.etapepennines.co.uk.