‘rise Above’ Created For Cavendish Sportive
Mark Cavendish has launched his official Rise Above Sportive that will take place for the first time this August, after the Tour de France, when cyclists will have the chance to ride with 25 time stage winner through Chester and North Wales.
The event will see the former world and British champion joining thousands of amateur cyclists in taking on one of three routes, starting and finishing on the cobbles in the heart of Chester on Sunday 9th August.
Speaking about the new event Mark Cavendish said: “I’m very excited to launch the inaugural Rise Above Sportive. We first discussed the idea 18 months ago and have been going through the planning process ever since. I’ve pushed everyone involved to deliver an event that will provide the participants with a real premium rider experience. Our plan is to eventually have a fully closed road event so it was key for me to have some closed road sections in the inaugural one.
“I’m super happy that Cheshire West and Chester Council have kindly agreed to close some cobbled streets in and out of the city centre. The parcour we’ve chosen for all three routes will be really special and testing for any level of rider. Longer term, I have a vision to grow the Rise Above Sportive to a two-day cycling festival in the years to come. I hope to see you there after the Tour de France.”
Cllr Parker, executive member for culture and economy added: “We are delighted to be hosting the Mark Cavendish Rise Above Sportive in 2015. This continues our long standing involvement in cycling events and build on the legacy of the 2012 Olympics and Cheshire West and Chester Councils commitment to cycling. It is even more pleasing Mark Cavendish has chosen Chester to be the home of his event.”
Three separate, circular routes will open the Rise Above Sportive to a range of abilities of cyclist, from the 65-kilometre Enthusiast route, to a 120-kilometre Purist route with 1,720-metres of ascent to the 185-kilometre Extremist route with 2,800-metres of ascent.
Both the Purist and Extremist routes feature the climb of Horseshoe Pass, with the longer distance also including the quiet roads and stunning scenery around Llyn Brenig and Clocaenog Forest.
Mark, together with his CVNDSH brand team and cycling event management specialists SweetSpot, are overseeing the creation and establishment of the Rise Above Sportive.
Right to Play and Help for Heroes will be the two Official Charity Partners for Rise Above Sportive.
Entries are open now via the official website, www.riseabovesportive.com
