COURSE GUIDE HEVER CASTLE CYCLE SPORTIVES
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YOUR R INFORM 2
RACE MATION
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YOUR RACE INFORMATION
THE COURSE 90K SPORTIVE The inaugural Festival of Endurance (FOE) 90K cycle sportive is a wonderful amalgam of a number of recognised local cycling route classics. The circuit takes in 6 category 5 climbs and scales a massive 1,187m of ascent. The first 12K and the last 32K follow the existing Bastion (full iron distance triathlon) 60K loop but everything else is virgin FOE territory.
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The inaugural Festival of Endurance (FOE) 90K cycle sportive is a wonderful amalgam of a number of recognised local cycling route classics. The circuit takes in 6 category 5 climbs and scales a massive 1,187m of ascent. On route, wearing your wearing your GPS tracking device supplied by Geo Tracks, your friends and family will be able to follow your progress online as well as joining you at pre-planned stopping points on the course. You will pass two well stocked feed stations, have a signed route to follow and pass through some of the most stunning scenery in the South East. The 90K circuit, whilst taking in some of the existing triathlon routeing, sees you climbing up and over the Ashdown Forest at its western end on your way south before descending into and crossing over the River Ouse (which makes its way out to the sea on the south coast) and then returning to Hever Castle via the eastern end of the forest and some of the most quintessentially English villages that you could hope to find. An absolute corker of a route, fit for champions, but with cut-off times to suit those that just fancy a great day out in the countryside!
START AT HEVER CASTLE
On exiting Hever Castle, participants take a left turn and pass the Henry VIII pub before descending to the bus stop T-junction at the bottom of Uckfield Lane and the first of the 13 climbs. Straight into it as they say! Right at the top of the 2K hill and pass the Kentish Horse before coming to the Queen’s Arms after a further 1K. A careful left here and pretty much straight to Hartfield on the Hartfield Road with a bit of undulation en route.
HIGH INTO THE ASHDOWN FOREST
Pass through the village of Hartfield and continue on, past Jib Jacks hill on your left, heading towards Coleman’s Hatch and Forest Row. At just under 15K and having passed the village boundary signs in Coleman’s Hatch take the 2nd left onto Coach Road and follow this up the 2nd category climb to Wych Cross. Turn left at the lights here onto the A22 and then after 100m turn right across the traffic and follow the A275 towards Lewis. Stunning views of the South Downs will present themselves as you crest the top of the hill (you are at your high 5
point of the Ashdown Forest on your route South here) and you will then commence a steady and glorious descent on good roads down toward the River Ouse.
OVER THE RIVER OUSE
As you enter the village of Sheffield Green just after 27K turn left off the A275 and follow the minor road into the village of Fletching where you’ll find your first feed station in the village hall opposite the Award Winning pub called the Griffin Inn. On exiting the high street turn right down the narrow Mill Lane for 2K (bear with this as gives you a better crossing point of the A272 in Newick), crossover the River Ouse and then turn left at the junction in the village of Newick onto Newick Hill Rd. When you get to the busy A272 turn left into the centre of the village and then turn right just before the village green down a minor road called Church Road signposted to Barcombe. 1.5K south of the village turn left at the T-junction again signposted to Barcombe.
FROM BARCOMBE TO GROOMBRIDGE
At just over 40K you will come to the village of Barcombe Cross where you will turn left at the mini-roundabout and head towards Barcombe Mills and re-cross the River Ouse. At 44K you have reached your most southerly point, turn left here onto the A26 heading towards Tunbridge Wells for 6K. At the next roundabout turn left onto the A22 heading towards East Grinstead and stay on this widest of A roads for the next 5K tacking around Uckfield on the bypass (go straight on at the first two roundabouts) and into the outskirts of the village of Maresfield. At the next roundabout, on the A26, take the 1st left into Maresfield Village and then head north on Straight Half Mile Rd for 2K before turning right on the B2026 (signposted to Hartfield) and beginning your 3rd category climb which will take you up onto the Ashdown Forest (eastern end this time). At the high point, just past King’s Standing Car Park on your right, take the right turn signposted to Groombridge and after 400m you will come to the 2nd and last feed station on your route at Black Hill Car Park, before enjoying a long blast down hill as you exit the forest. Its not quite all plain sailing as you will have to negotiate your 6
4th category climb before descending down into the village of Groombridge. Groombridge Hill at 72K presents you with your stiffest and 5th category climb as you head north before regaining the A264 at the farm shop, just on the outskirts of Langton Green, where you turn left.
TO THE FINISH LINE
Stay on the A264 for 100m before regaining the B2188 and heading downhill through the village of Fordcombe on your way to the River Medway. As you climb away from the river you meet your final short and sharp category climb before levelling out and heading into the village of Penshurst. Left in Penshurst, up a short hill and then left down Station Hill will see you onto the B2026 with a left turn and your run in back to Hever Castle. At 87K in the village of Bough Beech continue straight on at the railway bridge (don’t go over it) taking the minor road signposted to Hever. At Hever Castle make sure you go back in the entrance that you came out of which is next to the church and opposite the pub. Your time will stop as you pass through the gates so need need to race down the back drive! Watch out for exiting cars as you re-enter the estate!
HAND IN YOUR TRACKING DEVICE
Don’t forget to hand in your tracking device at the timing tent when you get back to the event village before heading off to the Car Park.
START TIME
Times will be shared in the Race Information Pack shared two weeks before Race Day
CUT OFF TIME
9 hours (this means cycling at 10km/h for 90K including stops)
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YOUR RACE INFORMATION
THE COURSE 180K SPORTIVE The inaugural Festival of Endurance (FOE) 180K cycle sportive is a wonderful amalgam of a number of recognised local cycling route classics. The circuit takes in 13 category 5 climbs and scales a massive 2,428m of ascent. The first 12K and the last 32K follow the existing Bastion (full iron distance triathlon) 60K loop but everything else is virgin FOE territory.
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The inaugural Festival of Endurance (FOE) 180K cycle sportive is a wonderful amalgam of a number of recognised local cycling route classics. The circuit takes in 13 category 5 climbs and scales a massive 2,428m of ascent. On route, wearing your wearing your GPS tracking device supplied by Geo Tracks, your friends and family will be able to follow your progress online as well as joining you at pre-planned stopping points on the course. You will pass four well stocked feed stations, have a signed route to follow and pass through some of the most stunning scenery in the South East. The 180K circuit, whilst taking in some of the existing triathlon routeing, sees you climbing up and over the Ashdown Forest at its western end on your way south before descending into and crossing over the River Ouse (which makes its way out to the sea on the south coast). A foray into the South Downs National Park, via the world famous opera house at Glyndebourne, sees you all the way to the South Coast at Eastbourne. The hills are not over there as your return north passes through the High Weald and as far East as the historic town of Battle before a return to Hever Castle via the eastern end of the Ashdown Forest and some of the most quintessentially English villages that you could hope to find. An absolute corker of a route fit for champions but with cut-off times to suit those that just fancy a great day out in the countryside!
START AT HEVER CASTLE
On exiting Hever Castle, participants take a left turn and pass the Henry VIII pub before descending to the bus stop t-junction at the bottom of Uckfield Lane and the first of the 13 climbs. Straight into it as they say! Right at the top of the 2K hill and pass the Kentish Horse before coming to the Queen’s Arms after a further 1K. A careful left here and pretty much straight to Hartfield on the Hartfield Road with a bit of undulation en route.
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VIEW OF THE SOUTH DOWNS
Pass through the village of Hartfield and continue on, past Jib Jacks hill on your left, heading towards Coleman’s Hatch and Forest Row. At just under 15K and having passed the village boundary signs in Coleman’s Hatch take the 2nd left onto Coach Road and follow this up the 2nd category climb to Wych Cross. Turn left at the lights here onto the A22 and then after 100m turn right across the traffic and follow the A275 towards Lewis. Stunning views of the South Downs will present themselves as you crest the top of the hill (you are at your high point of the Ashdown Forest on your route South here) and you will then commence a steady and glorious descent on good roads down toward the River Ouse.
OVER THE RIVER OUSE
As you enter the village of Sheffield Green just after 27K turn left off the A275 and follow the minor road into the village of Fletching where you’ll find your first feed station in the village hall opposite the Award Winning pub called the Griffin Inn. On exiting the high street turn right down the narrow Mill Lane for 2K (bear with this as gives you a better crossing point of the A272 in Newick), crossover the River Ouse and then turn left at the junction in the village of Newick onto Newick Hill Rd. When you get to the busy A272 turn left into the centre of the village and then turn right just before the village green down a minor road called Church Road signposted to Barcombe. 1.5K south of the village turn left at the T-junction again signposted to Barcombe.
PAST GLYNDEBOURNE OPERA HOUSE
At just over 40K you will come to the village of Barcombe Cross where you will turn left at the mini-roundabout and head towards Barcombe Mills and re-cross the River Ouse. At 44K turn right onto the A26 heading towards Lewis for 1K before turning left onto Ham Lane and into the town of Ringmer. Turn right at the B2192 in the centre of the town and travel for approx. 700m to the outskirts before turning left down New Rd signposted to Glynde. Pass the opera house at Glyndebourne before passing through the village of Glynde and 10
the station of the same name. On arriving at the A27 t-junction turn left. Bear with this for 8K (it is the key to the South Downs section) before turning right at the first roundabout that you come to signposted to Alfriston and Seaford not far from the entrance of Druzillas Park (a zoo). The next section into Eastbourne is as good as riding gets in the UK as you gain sight of the sea and ride up and over the South Downs taking in three of your category climbs as you go. At 70K, in the South Downs Country Park Visitors Centre you will come to your second feed station.
INTO EASTBOURNE TO HALF WAY
Descend into Eastbourne and at the first set of lights turn left onto Victoria Drive and follow this for 3K before hitting the A2270 and turning left towards Polegate. Just after 84K and in the village of Polegate, turn right at a set of lights and adjacent to St George’s Catholic Church, onto Polegate High St. Continue over the level crossing and then right at the roundabout onto station road. After less than 100m turn left onto School Lane and then after another 100m look out for the signs for the Cuckoo Trail Cycle Path and turn right onto this at a bend in the road. Stick with this cycle path for 4K until you get to Hailsham (believe you me you wouldn’t want to cycle down the dual carriageway which is the only other option). The path deposits you on Freshfields Close (a housing estate) and then this leads to Lindfield Drive where you take a right turn. Shortly after take a left onto Station Rd and this will take you into the middle of Hailsham where you will turn right onto the A295. Follow this north out of the town (don’t follow the town centre signs), past a Supermarket and a set of traffic lights and then turn right onto Battle Road, still the A295, just shy of 90K your halfway point!
FROM HAILSHAM TO BATTLE
After the first roundabout as you head out of Hailsham turn right and the road you are on becomes the A271 and is signposted to Herstmonceaux and Battle. Follow this road until just before 101K, after the village of Boreham Street, where it becomes the A269 without you deviating. Not long after this you will come to your 6th category climb bringing you up into 11
the High Weald. Just after the village of Ninfield turn left at a roundabout onto the B2204, again signposted to Battle and follow this for 2K before turning right on a minor road called Powdermill Lane which will bring you into Battle from the south side. Turn left on the A2100 and then look out for your 3rd feed station which is in the Memorial Hall on the right hand side of the High Street at 110K just beyond the entrance to the Abbey (which is on your left).
THROUGH ASHDOWN FOREST
As you exit Battle High Street at the roundabout take the 2nd left onto the A2100 (London Road) heading north and then after a short climb of approximately take another left onto Netherfield Road and signposted towards Battle Golf Club. After 4K and on the outskirts of the village of Netherfield turn right onto the B2096, Battle Road. 13K of glorious cycling in the High Weald and your 7th, 8th and 9th category climbs, brings you to the outskirts of Heathfield via a left turn on the A265. Approx 100 yards after this left turn and just after a Tyre Garage (yellow branding) on your right hand side, turn right on Newick Lane and head north towards Mayfield for 5K crossing over the River Rother en route. Climb Knowle Hill into Mayfield and then turn left at the first junction onto Stone Cross and then immediately left at the roundabout as you join the A267 for 4K, passing through the village of Five Ashes, before turning right onto the A272 just after a short hill and the National Speed Limit signs, and heading towards Maresfield and Uckfield. At 146K cross the A26 at the roundabout taking the 2nd exit (straight on) into Maresfield Village and then head north on Straight Half Mile Rd for 2K. Turn right onto the B2026 (signposted to Hartfield) and begin your 10th category climb which will take you up onto the Ashdown Forest (eastern end this time). At the high point, just past King’s Standing Car Park on your right, take the right turn signposted to Groombridge and after 400m you will come to the 4th and final feed station on your route at Black Hill Car Park before enjoying a long blast down hill as you exit the forest. Its not quite all plain sailing as you will have to negotiate your 11th category climb before descending down into the village of Groombridge. Groombridge Hill at 163K presents
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you with your stiffest and 12th category climb as you head north before regaining the A264 at the farm shop just outside Langton Green where you turn left.
TO THE FINISH LINE
Stay on the A264 for 100m before turning right onto the B2188, signposted to Penshurst, and heading downhill through the village of Fordcombe on your way to the River Medway. As you climb away from the river you meet your final short and sharp category climb before levelling out and heading into the village of Penshurst. Left in Penshurst, up a short hill and then left down Station Hill will see you onto the B2026 with a left turn and your run in back to Hever Castle. At 178K in the village of Bough Beech continue straight on at the railway bridge (don’t go over it) taking the minor road signposted to Hever. At Hever Castle make sure you go back in the entrance that you came out of which is next to the church and opposite the pub. Your time will stop as you come in through the gates at the beginning of the back drive. Beware of exiting cars as you reenter the estate!
HAND IN YOUR TRACKING DEVICE
Don’t forget to hand in your tracking device at the timing tent when you get back to the event village before heading off to the Car Park.
START TIME
Times will be shared in the Race Information Pack shared two weeks before Race Day
CUT OFF TIME
12 hours (this means cycling at 15km/h for 180K including stops)
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YOUR RACE INFORMATION
THE COURSES SPORTIVES Here is a course map of both the 90K (blue line) and the 180K (purple line) cycle routes. Both routes explore the very best of the South East countryside.
VIEW MAPS ONLINE
Click on the links below to view the maps for your race. 90K Course 180K Course
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Festival of Endurance Cycle Sportive Routes
Key 180k Cycle Route 90km Cycle Route Feed Station
FEED STATION
FEED STATION
FEED STATION
FEED STATION
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YOUR RACE INFORMATION
SCHEDULE
The timings you need to know pre, during and post race.
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REGISTRATION
Registration check-in takes place at Hever Castle on either Friday evening (6.00-8.00pm) or on the morning of the sportive from 06:30 - 09:00am.
START/ FINISH LOCATION
The Start and Finish are at Lake View Field, Hever Castle - Grid reference: TQ 48315 45061 (What three words: Twice/ Star/ Silk)
START TIME
180K cyclists may start their route at any time between 0700 and 0800 hrs. 90K cyclists may start their route at any time between 0800 and 0900 hrs.
CUT OFFS
Cyclists must finish the 180K course within a 12 hour 15 minute time limit (average speed of 15km/hr including stops) and the 90K within a 9 hour time limit (average speed of 10km/hr including stops). There are additional cut offs at each feed stations on route. See the feed station table here for full details.
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YOUR RACE INFORMATION
TIMING & TRACKING GPS trackers will be used on this race to help participants see their time, organisers see whereabouts and supporters to follow their athlete.
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TIMING & GPS TRACKING
All competitors will be issued with a Geo Tracks GPS tracker which will also act as their timing device. This must be kept with the athlete at all times either on their person or in their backpack. This GPS tracker has three uses; 1) it will provide the participant with an overall time and various split times for their race; 2) it will provide the race organisers with the ability to track each participant and know their exact whereabouts on the course at all times;
Geo Tracks also provide an iphone app that is the perfect aid to navigation. The app centres on your GPS tracker icon and shows the route to follow. Please note tracker icons will only appear on the day of the event. To download the Geo Tracks iphone app please click this link You will need to enter the event no. 675 (90km) or 676 (180km) and your bib number (issued at registration).
GPX ROUTE
3) it will provide supporters with the ability to track their athlete, via a Live View URL, along the route to make support and logistics for family and friends a lot easier. Please ensure you return the GPS tracker at the finish point. If you retire early please also drop the tracker of at the finish or at a feed station.
It is highly recommended that participants download the GPX file for the event and upload to an electronic navigation device such as a GPS watch. The GPX file can be downloaded from this page (scroll down to the find the bike rides).
Live View Tracking route maps can be seen here: 90km 180km
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YOUR RACE INFORMATION
FEED STATIONS
The Castle Race Series will be working with nutrition partners, HIGH5 to provide you with comprehensive food and drink stations.
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THE STATIONS
WHAT’S AVAILABLE
There will be four feed stations on the 180K cycle route and two on the 90K. These are at the following locations:
The team of volunteers will have a selection of food and drink available for you including the following:
30K Fletching Village Hall 69K (180K only) Seven Sisters Country Park Visitors Centre 110K (180K only) Memorial Hall, Battle 154K (63K on the 90K cycle) Black Hill Car Park, Ashdown Forest
– Water – Salted nuts/ biscuits – Jelly Babies – HIGH 5 Zero Tablets – HIGH5 Energy Source Isotonic Drink – HIGH5 Energy Gels – HIGH5 Energy Bars – 1/2 Bananas (peeled) – Sandwiches and wraps Drinks from these stations will be prepared in 750ml High 5 drink bottles. Due to COVID protocols, competitors will serve themselves from the platters provided. Social distancing and standard COVID protocols will be in operation at all of the feed stations. Feed Stations and their associated toilets to be accessed only by competitors.
LITTER
No litter to be dropped anywhere on the course.
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YOUR RACE INFORMATION
THE COURSE & SUPPORT All you need to keep you on track on race day.
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COURSE MARKINGS
The course will be marked by a series of Castle Race Series (CRS) signs. Examples of these signs will be shown to you at registration when you receive your race day briefing. It is ultimately the cyclists responsibility to navigate the course successfully, with or without course markings. We strongly recommend that you take the time to recce the route before race day.
ambulances. If you suffer an injury or accident that warrants direct medical attention, the medics will be on hand to provide you with exactly that. Contact numbers and full details of what to do in an emergency will be given to you in the Race Information Pack and again at race registration. Due to the distances involved the medics may take some time to reach you or potentially be out of contact tending to other cyclists. In those instances and if appropriate you should contact the emergency services on 999.
PACERS SPORTS MASSAGE
No pacers are permitted at any point on the route.
CREW SUPPORT
Cyclists are allowed to have crew support and there are a number of excellent points on the route for this kind of support. However, the nutrition support you receive at the check points will be enough for any cyclist and a crew is not essential. Cyclists are responsible for their crew and must ensure that their behaviour does not adversely affect any of the other participants in the sportive.
Sports massage provided by Six Physio will be available at selected feed stations. This will be provided on a first come first served basis at the Fletching and Ashdown Forest Feed Stations.
MEDICAL SUPPORT
There will be a dedicated team of race medics available throughout the duration of the weekend including static first aid teams and race 23
YOUR RACE INFORMATION
KIT
Here we have detailed the required and recommended kit for race day.
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MANDATORY KIT
RECOMMEDED KIT
Cyclists must carry the following mandatory equipment at all times. There will be spot checks and a time penalty of one hour will be imposed for any item found to be missing at any point on course.
Strongly recommended but not mandatory:
– Cycle Helmet
– Route Map - Should be a hard copy that you are able to navigate from and not a map on your phone – Sunglasses
– – Fully Charged Mobile Phone including the numbers for the Race – Medic and Race Director (these – will be provided at registration) – – Water Bottles capable of carrying a minimum of 1 litre. – – Waterproof Jacket: Gore-tex or similar, minimum 10000mm+ & must have sealed seams.
Bike lights Additional cycle tools Leg and arm warmers Chamois cream Cycle jersey and shorts
– Base layer
– Puncture Repair Kit (at least 2 repairs worth of kit eg. two inner tubes and a pump or CO2 canisters)
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YOUR RACE INFORMATION
REWARDS
QUALIFICATION STANDARD
There is no requirement for qualification to enter this race but participants are reminded that the course is over arduous and hilly terrain. The organiser has implemented cut offs at each of the feed stations and, due to the welfare of staff out on the course, will have no hesitation about pulling anyone from the race if they fall behind these set times.
AWARDS
Finisher Medal.
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CONNECT & CONTACT
FOR MORE INFORMATION
We look forward to seeing you on race day and wish you luck for your final preparations. If you need further infomation please visit our website: castleraceseries.com
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