A cycling sportive is a ride on low traffic or traffic free roads and cycle paths that is open to cyclists of all ages and abilities. Sportives have clearly marked courses for you to follow and allow riders to go at their own pace and choose their own distance depending on ability.

The level and amount of training depends on an individual, the distance you will be doing and your cycling experience. However, some guidelines can be found in the sportive tips above.

Most importantly your bike and your helmet. We recommend servicing your bike ahead of our events including checking brakes, tyres and any other moving parts. You must bring some personal identification, cash/card and a mobile phone. You should also bring a puncture repair kit, pump and tyre levers. You should bring any specialist food and drinks you usually consume when cycling. Depending on the weather, sun cream, a rain or warm jacket and gloves are also essential. We recommend wearing eye protection.

Sportives are open to cyclists of all ages and abilities, so if you enjoy being out on your bike, then they are the perfect thing for you. Sportives are done by those who are new to the sport, experienced riders looking for a new challenge or those training for another event. There are usually 3 different route lengths at each of our events to give you the flexibility to choose a route that matches your ability.

No, a cycling sportive is not a race and timing is purely for personal benefit. There are many people who aim to get a personal best time around their route and this is of course fine. However, for many riders, the appeal of sportives is that you are free from the competitive pressure, strict rules, and rigid disciplines of pure racing and instead you can enjoy your riding for your own reasons. In 2020, Iconic launched an App for riders to self time and track their route.

You can register for any of our events through their individual pages by going to the ‘Register Online’ tab.

If an event is not fully booked we will accept registrations on the day. However, we advise booking in advance to avoid disappointment.

At an Iconic event you will follow marked routes so you do not need to rely on a satellite device. You will receive a timing chip to record your time and there will be 1 or 2 feed stations depending on the ride length. The free food stops will be full of delicious products from the local area and our Iconic partners. Mechanical support will be on all routes to help with any problems you encounter. Food at the finish may be included - if not please pre-order when you register. At some events there will also be sports massages, a bar and coffee van at the venue.