On September 11, Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins will ride from Jedburgh to Dumfries at the start of Stage 3 of the Tour of Britain. There is little doubt that Wiggo, and Tour de France stage winner Mark Cavandish, will eat up the hills and the miles in the Scottish Borders during this major British event.

So how would you fancy riding in the southern Scotland but as part of an easier going sportive? Just this week it was announced that the Tour o’ the Borders sportive will be returning to the south of Scotland next April.

News of the Tour o’ the Borders

The inaugural Peeblesshire-based event earlier this year was acclaimed as a big success and on April 14, 2013, it will return with a choice of course lengths and a discounted entry price for early sign-ups.

Starting from Peebles, the ride will feature a 70 or 49 mile course, both on quiet roads, with great views and some challenging climbs (but at least you won’t need to go at the sped of Wiggo!).

The event has been put together by two men with huge experience of the Scottish cycling scene, Neil Dalgleish, who is also responsible for putting together the acclaimed TweedLove Bike Festival, and co-founder John Anderson, who is the experience behind the Bicycle Works bike shops and racing teams.

“We had a great first year,” says Neil. “Feedback from riders gave us a big thumbs up, but we thought we’d add the choice of a shorter course using the same area’s deserted and scenic roads. It’s perfect for an event like this.”

John added: “There are some exceptionally stiff climbs but another great advantage of this area is how quiet these roads are. You hardly see a car all day.”

The event is timed, but is not organised in a road race format. The aim is to give everyone a great day out on the bike on a scenic and rewarding course, with the fun and satisfaction of taking part in a shared challenge.

Neil said: “Riders are all given their own timing results, and we make sure they are well looked-after. At the feed station we even gave all the riders the local cyclists’ secret carbohydrate weapon – Forsyth’s hot macaroni pies. They’re a legend and the riders devoured them.”

While there has been some recent controversy over the cost of this kind of event, with some road cycling sportives costing more than £60 to enter, the Tour o’ the Borders organisers claim they’re doing what they can to keep costs down.

“Times are tough and good value is important,” says Neil.

Book early for money off

An early bird booking offer is available for the next few weeks – the entry price is £30 rather than £35. John said: “You can ride the Tour o’ the Borders for less than half what it costs for some other events – and we reckon you get much  more for your money, too. We were pleased that so many of the riders this year seemed to agree.”

More info and entry at www.tourotheborders.com Entry cost: £35, early rider discount price until end September 2012: £30.