Event: 17 August 2014
Location: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire

One of the UK’s favourite sportive events – the Blenheim Palace Sportive – will return to the cycling calendar in 2014. The event, which rolls out from one of the UK’s most iconic historic homes on Sunday 17 August, takes in stunning Cotswold countryside over a 60 or 100 mile route.

Riders on either of the two routes will enjoy a series of rolling climbs and although challenging they will suit a wide range of cyclists.

The event, which was last held in 2012, has been reintroduced by Eiger Events, the sporting events arm of Kilimanjaro, one of the country’s leading independent event and music promoters. It will feature waymarked routes, electronic timing, mechanical support, feed stations and marshals.

Andy Townsend from Eiger Events said: “We are so excited to be bringing the Blenheim Palace Sportive back. I’ve ridden it before myself and it was always one of my favourite UK sportive events. Riders can challenge themselves with some great riding in some of Britain’s most beautiful countryside starting and ending at the historic Blenheim Palace. To be able to start/finish in such a stunning location is a rare treat for a Sportive rider. “

“This is an event for cyclists run by cyclists so we’ve made a number of small improvements to the course and the support the riders will receive. The course is broadly the same as the 2012 event but there’s no doubt this great event will be bigger and better than ever.”

The Blenheim Sportive has always proved hugely popular and organisers have increased the capacity meaning more riders than ever before can get involved in this classic British sportive.

There will also be a limited number of VIP entries available which will include guaranteed entry, first wave departure, breakfast and post-ride lunch (provided by Searcys and held in the Marlborough Room at the Palace) and goody bag. VIP entry is £100 with standard entry just £35 and available at www.blenheimsportive.com

There will also be a Family Fun Ride held within the grounds of Blenheim Palace on 17 August. Tickets for this are only available directly from Blenheim Palace. The Family Fun Ride will start at 10.30am when general entry to the Palace opens. Registration will start at 6.00am on the day of the event.