The Velo29 Endeavour Sportive, 7 July 2012 |

Stockton-On-Tees is gearing up for an action-packed weekend of cycling as the three-day Stockton Cycling Festival from 6 – 8 July comes to the town.

And central to the weekend will be the The Velo29 Endeavour Sportive on Saturday 7th July.

The Endeavour Sportive event will give cyclists the opportunity to test themselves on one of three road courses ranging from a steady 35 miles (56km) to the tough 95-mile (153km) route which includes the infamous Rosedale Chimney on the North York Moors.

The North York Moors are wonderful cycling territory

A rider close to the top of Roseday Chimney, a legendary climb

Jane Sinclair from Billingham, who has never turned a wheel in any cycling event until now, is also supporting the event. Jane has entered the 35 mile (56km) Sportive challenge at the Festival: "I've not been a regular cyclist for many years but am looking forward to training for a longer ride than I'm used to, which should be an experience to remember."

The weekend will also include a round of the elite circuit series on the Friday evening and a busy Sunday which includes a Sky Ride, BMX and trials displays, cycle coaching, music, dance and other entertainment, along with age group races and a round of the Premier Calendar road race series.

Routes - the organisers have helpfully mapped out the four route options - see below for links:

Velo29 Endeavour 94m Long Route

Velo29 Endeavour 61m Medium Route

Velo29 Endeavour 37m Short Hard Route

Velo29 Endeavour 37m Short Easy Route

To enter the sportive, visit the event's listing in the British Cycling calendar.