This cycling event looks like something a bit different – and it’s raising funds for a good cause, too. The Borders Ciclista is unlike any other Sportive event in the UK. Based on a Spanish sportive format, it combines the fun and relaxation of a mass ride, the challenge of covering a large distance and the semi-competitive elements provided by timed sections.

So riders will be able to admire the fantastic scenery on offer in the Borders, while also testing themselves over one or two days on some great roads.

What’s new in the Borders Ciclista for 2013?

For this year, it’s been decided to run the event over two days, but with riders being offered the of doing one or both days.

Cycling options to choose from:

Day 1 – Sat 11th May – “King of the Mountains” Approximately 50-mile route with five or more passes. Riders are timed on each climb.

Day 2 – Sun 12th May – Traditional Distance – Approx 75 miles with three timed sections, each one with a different character.

 

Both Days – Compete on both routes, and join in with the entertainment on Saturday evening.

 

The entry fee for the event is a very reasonable £18 for one day, or £30 for two days. There is also the option of having a custom top-end Endura race jersey for the special price of £32 if ordered when entering.

Priority booking will be given to those wishing to take part in both days. If you book for one of the two days, it will be provisional, and these bookings will then be used to fill out each day up to a maximum of 100 riders per day.

The Borders Ciclista is not a race

Despite certain sections being timed, for insurance and legal reasons, the event is not a race. As a result, overall times will be given after the event, but times will not be provided during the rides. If you wish to log your times and compare against your mates, use the Strava app on your smart phone.

The Borders Ciclista is for charity!

This year’s event is being run to raise awareness and funds for Action Medical Research. All profits from the event will go to the charity, including funds raised from the sale of the custom event jersey.

The event is being supported by Borders Cycles, who are helping with the website, jersey and event organisation. Otherwise the event is run entirely by volunteers from the local area. See Borders Ciclista for more details and to register.