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OXFORD UNIVERSITY RUGBY CLUB

SUNDAY 21 JUNE 2026

>> Early Bird Discount ends 12th January <<

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Bike Oxford will be returning to Oxford University Rugby Club in 2026 with a choice of three routes, approximately 25, 45 and 75 miles long. Starting with a lap of historic Oxford the routes then head into the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside with the long route reaching into the Oxfordshire Cotswolds.

Our charity partner for 2026 is Sobell House Hospice who provide compassionate palliative and end-of-life care for people with life-limiting illnesses, as well as essential support for their families and friends. Click here to see how you can support.

The weekend will also feature a Bike Oxford Cyclability ride - providing a safe opportunity for everyone to enjoy cycling with inclusive facilities and access to a fleet of adapted cycles to best suit individual needs.

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As an entrant to Bike Oxford you will benefit from:

  • A choice of three fully marked routes

  • Route maps and GPS files

  • Feed stations on the long and medium routes

  • Additional water stations

  • On-course first aid and mechanical support

  • A medal and food at the end of your ride

  • A well stocked bar at the finish

2026 routes

These routes are provisional and subject to change.

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our 2026 charity partner

Sobell House provides compassionate palliative and end-of-life care for people with life-limiting illnesses, as well as essential support for their families and friends.

There are a number of ways that you can join Team Sobell and make a difference.

If you’d like to join Team Sobell and raise much-needed funds for your local hospice, you can sign up for one of their FREE charity places via the Sobell House website. Sobell House ask for a minimum fundraising target of just £230 and you also receive a Sobell cycling top (new for 2026!), a goody bag, support on the day, and fundraising advice. If you want more information, please get in touch with Niki at fundraising@sobellhospice.org. Niki will be on hand to support you throughout your fundraising journey and would love to welcome you to our team.

If you don’t want a set fundraising target, there is also the option to donate to Sobell House at the registration basket and/or set up a fundraising page.

Every pound you raise will ensure patients and families receive compassionate care around the clock during some of life’s most difficult moments. Many of the services we offer, including transport services, onsite catering, bereavement support, and social work care, simply wouldn’t exist without your support. We can only keep caring because you do.

Collage of five photos from a cycling event. Top left shows a group of five cyclists with helmets on, smiling and posing with their bikes on a grassy area, some medals around their necks. Top middle features a cyclist in an orange shirt next to a red bike, with a church steeple in the background. Top right displays a group of five women in cycling attire with bikes, standing on grass in front of a building. Bottom left depicts a group of six men and women with bikes, standing outdoors with banners and flags, some wearing medals. Bottom right shows a man and two women with bikes, smiling on a grassy area, with event tents in the background.

View the 2025 gallery

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What our riders say

  • "This is a really lovely Sportive that deserves more people to do it. There really is a route for everyone - it is very welcoming and raises a lot of money for a really good charity. "

    2023 Long Route Rider

  • "Was a great event. new route was fantastic and food stops where well stocked and a great ride. couldnt have asked for a better introduction to a sportive "

    2024 Short Route Rider

  • "The event was brilliantly organized, all staff so friendly, the route was great and the best food stations of any bike event. Thank you!"

    2024 Long Route Rider

Find us @ Oxford University Rugby Club

 

Oxford University Rugby Club, Jackdaw Lane, Iffley Road, Oxford, OX4 1SR - view on Google Maps

By Car: There is no parking at the venue but Redbridge Park and Ride is just £2 and a 10 minute ride away from the venue.

By Train: Oxford University Rugby Club is 2.8 miles and a c.16 minute cycle from Oxford Station

faqs

How fast do I have to ride?

For rider safety we do have a cut-off time of 4pm, but this provides ample time and should allow many types of rider to enjoy Bike Oxford. The below table shows the approximate speeds needed to complete the different routes within the time allowed. 

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At the start, riders set off in pods of about 20 after a briefing. There will be a female only pod for each of the ride distances for anyone who would prefer this.

What facilities are available?

There are toilet facilities at the start/finish and at the feed stations. Period products will be available in all female toilets and from female members of Iconic Cycling Events Staff/volunteers.

There are changing facilities at the start and finish and a bag drop at the start.

Please get in touch if there are any other facilities or assistance that you would find useful and would aid your participation and enjoyment of Bike Oxford

What kit do I need?

  • A roadworthy bike

  • A helmet

There is mechanical support on the rides, but we recommend that everyone is self- sufficient and carries:

  • Tyre levers

  • Mini-pump

  • Spare inner tubes

  • Multi-tool

  • Puncture repair kit

The feed stop will be stocked with a range of sweet and savoury, high energy food products, as well as water, but we also recommend carrying:

  • Full water bottle(s)

  • Snacks

  • Sun cream

What clothing do I need?

You can cycle in anything you feel comfortable in, but we recommend a pair of padded cycling shorts. This will make the riding much more comfortable. You can wear baggy shorts, leggings or trousers over the top if you don’t want to just wear lycra.

Pregnancy deferral policy

If you become pregnant after entering Bike Oxford and no longer wish to participate in this year’s event, please get in touch. We can either defer your place or offer you a refund.

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Cyclists wearing pink and blue jerseys and helmets gathered outdoors, likely before a race or event, with a grassy area and tents in the background.
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Our partners:

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