If you’re looking for a cycling goal, a sportive makes an excellent target. And when planning on entering a sportive, UK options are definitely worth considering!
In this article, we share our pick of the best UK sportives of 2024 (and a couple in Ireland, too). Some are well known and will need no introduction, whilst some are relatively new to the scene but provide something different.
2024 updates
Following a tumultuous couple of years (thanks, 2020…) everything seems to be back to normal with sportive events, with 2023’s schedule running as planned. So the 2024 calendar looks quite similar to last year’s, and hopefully we’re now past the point where events would be cancelled at short notice on health grounds. We’ll strive to update this list if any events are cancelled for any reason. Otherwise, this is the list of the best cycling sportives UK groups have to offer in 2024, so sign up to those still open while you can!
A spread of events
For the benefit of cyclists all over the UK and Ireland, we have tried our best to select sportives from each geographical region.
We know there will be plenty of other events that would undoubtedly qualify as being one of the best sportives in the UK and Ireland, but unfortunately, we can’t cover them all; let us know in the comments below which ones you think we should add on our next update of this article!
If you’d like a nice reminder of your sportive, these beautiful GPX-based prints are a great idea. More details at the bottom of this article!
This article includes details of products and/or services that we have used ourselves or which we would consider using. Some are paid features or include affiliate links where if you click on a link and make a booking or buy something, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please read our disclosure policy for further information.
In the interests of complete transparency, we haven’t (yet!) cycled all of the routes/events in this article. If you have ridden any of these, let us know in the comments below!
All metrics in this article are approximate.
London and south east sportives
Hampshire Hilly Hundred
| Location: | Sparsholt Collect, Winchester, Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Date: | 19 May 2024 |
| Distance: | 67 and 100 miles |
| Where to stay: | The Running Horse, Winchester (book here) |
| Cost: | £35-38 |
Our view
Here’s a great opportunity to train with a purpose through the spring months with a focus on getting an early season 100 miles under your belt.
The Hilly Hundred is set in the beautiful South Downs National Park. It features three challenging climbs: Butser Hill, Beacon Hill and Old Winchester Hill. With elevation on the 100-mile route at around 1,360 metres (there is a 67-mile alternative) you don’t need to be a mountain goat to get around, so it’s a perfect appetiser for the summer.
The course has chipped timing, full mechanical support, a medal, and feed stations, helping to make it one of the best Hampshire sportives around.
Conclusion
The Hilly Hundred is a great early season 100 miler with challenging climbs.
Ride London
| Location: | London |
|---|---|
| Date: | 26 May 2024 |
| Distance: | 100 miles |
| Where to stay: | Central London hotels (book here) |
| Cost: | £99 (VIP entry £275) |
Our view
RideLondon is back for 2024! On 26th May you can ride 100 miles of one of the best closed roads sportives in the UK in 2024 through the heart of London and the neighbouring county of Essex.
The route both begins and ends in the heart of London. There will also be 60 miles of villages and picturesque Essex landscape, where you’ll cycle through Epping Forest and up to Braintree before turning back.
Due to the professional road races taking place over the same weekend and because you get the opportunity to ride on closed roads through the streets of the capital city, the Ford Ride London is regarded as one of the best sportives in the UK. It is, however, extremely difficult to gain a starting berth, with the 25,000 places being snapped up very quickly, unless of course you are prepared to apply for a charity place.
It’s more expensive than the standard sportive in the UK in 2024 at £99 per entrant but it’s one of those events that cyclists aspire to complete at least once in their life.
Conclusion
RideLondon is an excellent choice for rubbing shoulders with the pros and riding one of the best UK closed roads sportives in 2024.
View this post on Instagram
Want to enter a sportive?
Our sportive travel sponsor, Sports Tours International, is Europe’s leading sports travel operator. They have guaranteed entries to Europe’s iconic sportives.
Booking with them can give you access to experiences you can’t normally get at some events – for example priority start pens and start and finish line hospitality.
To find out more, check out their website.
South west sportives
The Cotswolds Classic
| Location: | TBC |
|---|---|
| Date: | 31 August 2024 |
| Distance: | 59km, 82km and 127km |
| Where to stay: | Fire Service College (book here) |
| Cost: | £30-45 |
Our view
There aren’t many destinations in the UK that beat the Cotswolds, and one of the benefits of this event is that the routes barely leave this area of natural beauty as they meander through the undulating terrain.
The event offers three different routes to cater for all abilities, with the longest route running 127km with an elevation gain of 1,477 metres – that’s 9km longer than the 2023 route.
It also has a chipped timing system, mechanical and medical support and post ride goodies as well as feed stops and free event photography.
Conclusion
Beautiful countryside and a nice variety of routes are likely to make this a popular choice.
Dartmoor Legend Ultra Sportive
| Location: | Dartmoor |
|---|---|
| Date: | 6 July 2024 / 2 August 2025 |
| Distance: | 201 miles |
| Where to stay: | Duchy House, Princetown (book here) |
| Cost: | £100 |
Our view:
A new breed of sportive that is already popular on the continent started to make its way into the UK sportives calendar in 2023: the ultra endurance sportive. And it was due to return in 2024 but it looks like it may be postponed – though a date for 2025 has at least been announced.
The Dartmoor Legend Ultra is certainly not for the faint hearted, with over 200 miles, 6,200 metres of elevation and gradients of 25% on some climbs. This event is for extremely fit and competent riders who are comfortable with a very long day in the saddle.
Not only is this an ultra-endurance challenge it is also against the clock, with riders who don’t maintain a certain average speed being asked to retire. You can start between 4am and 5am and are required to finish before midnight, making it one of the toughest UK sportives in 2024 if it runs.
The field is limited to just 250 riders who must pre-book in advance of the event. The route includes geo tracking, five feed stations and mechanical support.
New routes were also due to be added in 2024, including a 149 mile Fondo option for a slightly lesser challenge.
Conclusion
This event offers a severe test in stunning countryside and is not for the faint-hearted! But if you can manage it, it’s one of the most rewarding and therefore best UK sportives 2024 has to offer, it the event runs. As it stands, you may just want to pre-register for 2025 instead.
Midlands sportives
Tour of the Peak
| Location: | Bakewell, Derbyshire |
|---|---|
| Date: | 19 May 2024 |
| Distance: | 96 and 182 kilometres |
| Where to stay: | Rutland Arms Hotel, Bakewell (book here) |
| Cost: | £37.50 |
Our view
One of the best Midland sportives around, this classic event was named after the Tour of the Peak road race which took place between 1943 and 2005 and is steeped in history. It’s in the Peak District, so you know it’s going to be tough and have an idea of what to expect before you turn a wheel on those grippy roads!
Starting and finishing in the small market town of Bakewell, the long 113 mile route has 3,400 metres of elevation, including the killer climb of Winnats Pass, and not to mention Holme Moss and the Cat and Fiddle!
The ascent of Winnats Pass, on the edge of the beautiful village of Castleton includes the ‘killer mile challenge’ which is a timed section on a fully closed road. You will not be able to speak as you cross the cattle grid at the top – trust me!
As the organisers state – only the brave should choose the long route!
Conclusion
Choose this event for the killer climbs and closed road hill climb. It’s one of the top UK cycling events in the calendar and certainly one of the best closed road sportives 2024 can offer.
Rutland Cicle Tour Sportive
| Location: | Oakham, Leicester |
|---|---|
| Date: | 27 April 2024 |
| Distance: | 54, 119 and 162 km TBC |
| where to stay: | Wisteria Hotel, Oakham (book here) |
| Cost: | £27.50-37.50 |
Our view
The CiCLE Classic elite race is known as ‘Britain’s Belgium Classic’ and the sportive is your opportunity to ride much of the same route, including the pavé sectors (but just once, unlike in the elite race). While the event has been confirmed as taking place in 2024, final details on the available routes are still TBC.
The event starts at Rutland Showground and the longer routes take you around Rutland Water and the small villages heading to Melton Mowbray. It’s great countryside, and you’re supported by mechanics, medics, feed stations, and signage.
The long route includes four different “pave” (rough terrain) sectors including the renowned Barleyberg and Somerberg.
The organisers promise that it will “soon become a must-do in the calendar” – if you live in the area, it could be a good one to try this year.
The Short and Medium routes were shortened for 2023 and are likely to remain the same for 2024, offering an easier challenge to any amateurs looking for one of their first events.
Conclusion
One to test yourself against for the novelty of cobbles alone! This is a classic of the sportive calendar 2024.
View this post on Instagram
Want to enter a sportive?
Our sportive travel sponsor, Sports Tours International, is Europe’s leading sports travel operator. They have guaranteed entries to Europe’s iconic sportives.
Booking with them can give you access to experiences you can’t normally get at some events – for example, priority start pens and start and finish line hospitality.
To find out more, check out their website.
Yorkshire sportives
Etape du Dales
| Location: | Grassington, Yorkshire |
|---|---|
| Date: | 23 June 2024 |
| Distance: | 100 and 177 kilometres |
| Where to stay: | Ashfield House, Grassington (book here) |
| Cost: | £30-50 |
Our view
The Etape du Dales is a classic sportive that passes through some of the most remote and scenic countryside in the country. However, the route has been updated for 2024, so if you’ve tried it before, it’s worth giving it another go to see where the new route takes you.
The exact route is being kept under wraps until closer to the event but it will run 177km with almost 3,600m of elevation – equally challenging to prior years. The “mini Etape” also returns at just over 100km.
The event supports the Dave Rayner Foundation which is a charity that provides financial assistance to promising young riders to compete in Europe.
There are some really challenging climbs in this sportive and it is not for the novice cyclist. If you’re newer to sportives then consider trying the mini Etape for your first year, before deciding if the main Etape is right for you in 2025.
More information
Check out our guide to the prior Etape du Dales route, here. While the 2024 route is new, it’s likely to be similar.
Conclusion
An iconic sportive in stunning, traffic light/free countryside – one of the best cycling events in the UK and one you don’t want to miss.
Le Petit Depart Sportive
| Location: | Skipton, North Yorkshire |
|---|---|
| Date: | 2 June 2024 |
| Distance: | 38 and 80 miles |
| Where to stay: | The Coach House, Skipton (book here) |
| Cost: | £26-36 |
Our view
A sportive which is very much part of the legacy of the Tour de France stages held in the county back in 2014.
Showcasing the very best the Yorkshire Dales has to offer, there are two different routes available to suit all abilities with the opportunity to ride the very roads that were used in the Tour de France, the Tour of Yorkshire, and the 2019 World Championships.
Conclusion
Set amidst some of the best scenery in the country this is a popular event and certainly the longer route will be a challenge to say the least!
North east/west sportives
Fred Whitton Challenge
| Location: | Grasmere, Cumbria |
|---|---|
| Date: | 12 May 2024 |
| Distance: | 112 miles |
| Where to stay: | Lake view Country House, Grasmere (book here) |
| Cost: | £95 (plus transaction charge) |
Our view
Probably the most famous and popular UK sportive, which is spoken about in the same esteem as the legendary Marmotte Cyclosportive in France.
With a 112-mile journey around the Lake District incorporating the now infamous climbs of Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter, Hardknott, and Wrynose passes and almost 4,000 metres of elevation, this is an epic test for both mind and body.
There is a 30% gradient on parts of Hardknott Pass, with the incline on some of the hairpin bends being even harsher. Given the severity of the climbs, the organisers have applied a generous time limit of roughly 10mph to allow as many people as possible to complete the course.
Gaining entry to this event is probably harder than the sportive itself. The ballot for the 2024 event has already closed, but keep a lookout in case any places open up.
Conclusion
This ultimate cycling test is packed full of killer climbs.
Stockton Sportive
| Location: | Stockton, County Durham |
|---|---|
| Date: | 29 June 2024 TBC |
| Distance: | 30, 72 and 105 miles |
| Where to stay: | Hampton by Hilton, Stockton on Tees (book here) |
| Cost: | £27.50-37.50 |
Our view
With the current penchant for sportive organisers to make their route as severe as possible to attract the pain loving cyclists, the Stockton Sportive proudly presents Le Tour de Moor. While the 2024 date has been pencilled in, the event is still to be officially confirmed.
There were over 2,700 metres of climbing to be found in the 105-mile route last year, so make no mistake this is a serious test. Starting and finishing near Middlesbrough, your journey takes you into the North Yorkshire Moors with a string of really tough climbs including an ascent of the super steep Rosedale Chimney as well as the steep ascents of Egton Cliff and Blakey Bank.
A ‘family friendly’ route is offered for youngsters, inexperienced riders and those new to this type of event. In between the two extremes is the medium with their own challenges, both in mileage and climbing. One of the July sportives to take a serious look at for 2024.
Conclusion
If you’re after a severe test, this is for you!
View this post on Instagram
Want to enter a sportive?
Our sportive travel sponsor, Sports Tours International, is Europe’s leading sports travel operator. They have guaranteed entries to Europe’s iconic sportives.
Booking with them can give you access to experiences you can’t normally get at some events – for example priority start pens and start and finish line hospitality.
To find out more, check out their website.
Scotland sportives
Etape Loch Ness
| Location: | Inverness / Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands |
|---|---|
| Date: | 28 April 2024 |
| Distance: | 106 kilometres |
| Where to stay: | Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel and Spa, Inverness (book here) |
| Cost: | £74 |
Our view
When looking for cycling events in Scotland, there is arguably no finer setting than the iconic Loch Ness. Add that to the fact that this is a circular closed road sportive then you can probably see why the Etape Loch Ness is so popular and that you may have to rely on a charity place to gain access.
Starting and finishing in Inverness the route of 106 kilometres includes a timed 7.72 kilometre King of the Mountain section (maximum gradient 12%). The full route has a total elevation of around 900 metres.
The event offers electronic timing, mechanical support, a finishers medal and the chance to see Nessie!
The priority and general admissions have already sold out for the 2024 event. However, you can still enter with a charity place for £74 – the organisers ask that you raise a minimum of £150 for Macmillan Cancer Support in return.
Conclusion
One of the best cycling sportives in the UK for 2024.
Etape Caledonia
| Location: | Pitlochry, Perthshire |
|---|---|
| Date: | 12 May 2024 |
| Distance: | 40, 55 and 85 miles |
| Where to stay: | The Old Mill Inn, Pitlochry (book here) |
| Cost: | £49-84 + transaction fee |
Our view
Another Scottish cycling event definitely worth some serious consideration is the Etape Caledonia. It is so popular that you may have to gain entry with a charity ticket to have the opportunity to take part in this breath-taking ride through the spectacular Scottish Highlands.
The longer 85-mile route, which begins and ends in Pitlochry, will take you through rolling hills and forest land as you ride by the lochs of both Tummel and Rannoch, as well as negotiating a challenging climb up Mount Schiehallion, which tops out at 1,083 metres above sea level. There are two shorter routes available, with the 55-mile route introduced last year to great success.
This is a fully timed event, and includes a finishers medal, but beware it also includes a broom wagon to pick up the slow coaches!
Conclusion
A closed road sportive in the UK with awesome scenery.
View this post on Instagram
Wales sportives
Dragon Ride
| Location: | Margam Park, Port Talbot |
|---|---|
| Date: | 23 June 2024 |
| Distance: | 98, 157, 213 and 296 kilometres |
| Where to stay: | The Barn B&B, Margam (book here) |
| Cost: | TBC |
Our view
A Welsh cycling event that is extremely popular, the Dragon Ride 2024 is set in the stunning Brecon Beacons is very well established in the UK sportive calendar and has acquired almost legendary status.
While the event has been held for many years, the route was reversed in 2021 to make it even more challenging, and that new route has remained in place for 2024. With elevation gains of almost 4,500 metres over a mammoth distance of 296 kilometres this is probably the hardest sportive in the UK. The lesser challenge of the Gran Fondo version is hardly a walk in the park with 3,000 metres of elevation and a distance of 213 kilometres!
With climbs such as Devil’s Elbow, Devil’s Staircase and Black Mountain you get the impression that this is going to be an epic test of ability and character. Only the toughest will slay the dragon!
Early ballot places have sold out but a limited number will go on sale in early 2024.
More information
You can read our full “behind the scenes” interviews with the organisers in this article about the Dragon Ride, Wales.
Conclusion
This is a bucket list event – do it if you can! Without doubt one of the best sportives UK wide, and one of the great near- 200 mile cycling events in the world.
View this post on Instagram
Ireland sportives
Wicklow 200
| Location: | Bray, County Wicklow |
|---|---|
| Date: | 9 June 2024 |
| Distance: | 100 and 200 miles |
| Where to stay: | Wilton Hotel, Bray (book here) |
| Cost: | €85 |
Our View
The Wicklow 200 – and its partner event the Wicklow 100 Challenge – take in many of the most iconic climbs in Ireland’s ‘Garden County’ in an event that is among the most arduous and most revered annual cycling events on the world calendar.
The routes were revised for 2023 and remain in place for 2024. Beginning at the Bray Emmets GAA Club, it includes a tour of Enniskerry, the Sally Gap, Kilbride, Hollywood, and the Slieve Mann Climb.
Conclusion
Considered by many to be Ireland’s premier cycling sportive, the event attracts riders from all over the world.
Skoda Ring of Clare Sportive
| Location: | Ennis, County Clare |
|---|---|
| Date: | 20 July 2024 |
| Distance: | 120 and 160 kilometres |
| Where to stay: | Hotel Woodstock, Ennis (book here) |
| Cost: | €50 |
Our view
Starting and finishing in Ennis, the Skoda Ring of Clare is an Irish sportive that forms part of the international Skoda Celtic Cycle Series.
There are two routes on offer, with the 160-kilometre route comprising around 1600 metres of elevation and the 120-kilometre version covering 1200 metres of vertical ascent. However, whichever route you choose, you are likely to be blown away by the stunning scenery on offer as you cycle through amazing coastal and estuary landscapes on the west coast of Ireland, including the world-famous Wild Atlantic Way.
A medal and jersey is awarded to all finishers – who can also enjoy a post ride BBQ. Just be aware that you’ll need a one-day licence if you’re not already a member of Cycling Ireland.
Conclusion
A beautiful coastline route and a new jersey – what’s not to love?!
View this post on Instagram
Final tips
If you are interested in riding a sportive in 2024 remember that the popular events will sell out on general sale very quickly. However, it is possible sometimes to gain entry with a charity place.
Want to know if a sportive is for you or know more about the general format of sportives? Check out our in-depth gran fondo/sportive guide, here – but in general, the beauty of cycle sportives is that they usually cater for all levels of ability and for riders with different objectives. There are those who want to race round the course for the kudos of being the first rider home, others that just want to see if they can complete the circuit and some who will just want to better their time from the previous year.
Don’t assume that you need to wait until summer to ride your sportive. A little like the professional scene the UK cycling sportive season seems to have no start or finish, as an abundance of winter sportives have suddenly appeared to fill the gap between September and March. A quick check at the jam-packed UK cycling sportives 2024 calendar clearly indicates that this sector is in good health.
Want something to help you remember your sportive?
These cycling map prints are just the ticket. How it works:
More info here. Prices start at £35.
What next?!
Feeling inspired by what you’ve read? Up for a challenge? Going to ride a sportive this year?
Let us know in the comments below what you’re up to, which sportives you’ve ridden and which were your favourites. Any tips and advice you would like to impart?
- For in-depth guides on cycling in various regions across the UK, head to our UK cycling page. You might also enjoy our pick of the best UK cycling holiday destinations and our favourite long-distance UK cycling routes.
- If you want some ideas for cycling events further afield, take a look at our pick fo the best European sportives and world cycling challenges!
- If you’re looking for beginner cycling challenges, this article is for you.
And finally, if anyone is considering investing in a turbo trainer to kickstart their sportive training, check out our interview with Turbo Trainer Hire.
Got a question for John?
Fill out this form and we will send it to John. We aim to get you an answer within 24 hours wherever possible!
John Vicars divides his time between England and Spain and, together with his wife, clocks in around 10,000 miles each year searching out Europe’s finest roads. John loves to share his experiences (good and bad) from the saddle and has a particular loathing for double digit gradients, sub-zero temperatures and red traffic lights!
The contents of this website are provided for general information purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on it. You should carry out your own due diligence and take professional advice. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content on our website is accurate, complete or up to date. If you use any information or content on this website, download from, or otherwise obtain content or services through our website, it is entirely at your own discretion and risk. Epic Road Rides Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on the information and content on this website. Find out more here.
A final word from Sports Tours International
“We’re delighted to support this article and just wanted to say a few words about why we think you should book your sportive with us!
We are Europe’s original and leading cycling event travel operator
We’ve been running trips to mass participation cycling events for nearly 50 years.
As a result, we have strong relationships with event organisers around the world.
For example, we are Premium Tour Operators for the Tour de France and Classics and are also official partners for everything from Mallorca 312 to the Maratona and Marmotte.
What this means for you
We offer:
Guaranteed entry to some of the most popular and oversubscribed events in the world.
Inside-out knowledge of the events and close ties with their organisers. This means we can deal with all the stresses and logistics and you’ll be free to simply enjoy the ride.
Special experiences at some events – for example Ride and Watch (ride the route, then watch the race) and start and finish line hospitality.
Unrivalled event support including pre-race briefings, extra food stations (where permitted) and mechanical support.
Want more info?
To see the full range of cycling events in 2024 we run trips to, check this out.
Thanks for reading and we hope to meet you at a sportive soon!”
Have ridden the Skoda tour of clare and its great. The Inishowen 100 run by Foyle Cycling club is a bigger challenge and a great ride for the scenery. Beware its 9000ft of climbing over 100 miles
Thanks for this – and great to know about the other event too. Best wishes, Clare