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Mark Cavendish Rise Above Sportive to return to Chester in AugustMark Cavendish at 2015 Rise Above Sportive (taken from YouTube).jpg

Mark Cavendish Rise Above Sportive to return to Chester in August

Routes across Cheshire and North Wales will also feature a timed climb midway round
by Alex Bowden
Tue, Feb 23, 2016 13:00
7

Chester is to play host to the second Mark Cavendish sportive in 2016. Rise Above will take place on Sunday, August 28 with three routes available – 80km, 120km and 160km. Cavendish himself rode the middle route last year and race schedule permitting he hopes to be in attendance again.

The 2015 event, which raised money for its two charity partners Right to Play and Help for Heroes, sold out with around 3,000 riders taking part. This year’s edition promises to be bigger still with 5,000 places available.

“It was incredible to sell out in the inaugural year,” said Cavendish, who added: “All three routes were real challenging, testing the riders mentally and physically in North Wales.”

Something similar is in the offing this year with the various routes across Cheshire and North Wales. Horseshoe Pass is one of a number of challenges on the menu and there will also be another timed climb, which last year was Blwch Pen Barras – 2.2km at 11 per cent.

Mick Bennett, operations director, told the Chester Chronicle:

“There are few, if any, sportives around the world that have as its patron and founder a rider with the stature of Mark Cavendish, the world’s most successful sprinter.

“This alone must position the Rise Above Sportive as unique amongst the many. Coupled with the iconic backdrop of Chester Cathedral and the picturesque lanes and climbs of Cheshire, this has to be, for many, a sportive that cannot be missed.”

Mark Cavendish
Chester
cheshire
north wales
Rise Above Sportive
Alex Bowden

Alex has written for more cricket publications than the rest of the road.cc team combined. Despite the apparent evidence of this picture, he doesn't especially like cake.

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7 comments

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don simon fbpe | 8 years ago
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Quote:

The etape cymru closed roads were good, but i did feel it wasnt necessary for its entirity (except maybe the narrow lane decents off of panorama). Ultimately, Etape Cymru could not get enough interest to justify the closed roads which is why it fell by the wayside.

Unfortunately there was way too much local opposition to the routes that had to cross the ward of Ponciau too. I suppose I can understand the opposition, they're not races that bring the stars  so closing roads can't be justified. I'm not a racer, but did enjoy the opportunity of pushing myself to the max without worrying about muppets in cars. Shame.

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A2thaJ | 8 years ago
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Only the town centre was closed roads, but you dont need closed roads around North Wales on a Sunday morning, it would be total overkill. Did it last year and grew up nearby. Its a great sportive and great value comparitively. If you were not local you would struggle to pick out a better route.

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don simon fbpe replied to A2thaJ | 8 years ago
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A2thaJ wrote:

Only the town centre was closed roads, but you dont need closed roads around North Wales on a Sunday morning, it would be total overkill. Did it last year and grew up nearby. Its a great sportive and great value comparitively. If you were not local you would struggle to pick out a better route.

The problem that I have is that I could have ridden the route on any given Sunday without having to fork out the cost of a Sportive. I've hung around much of the racing scene that being in the company of a pro isn't a draw ( sorry Mark).

I am drawn to the closed road aspect, being able to barrel along without worrying about traffic. I thouroughly enjoyed the Etape Cymru that hit the same area a couple of years ago.

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A2thaJ replied to don simon fbpe | 8 years ago
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don simon wrote:

The problem that I have is that I could have ridden the route on any given Sunday without having to fork out the cost of a Sportive.

[/quote]

 

Don Simon, completely agree. But I did feel this was more fairly priced at sub £30 than the regular sportive rip off. They also had alot of branded partners, so you got better than normal freebies. Afterwards i felt my money had given me more than a route i could (and do) at any time.

 

The etape cymru closed roads were good, but i did feel it wasnt necessary for its entirity (except maybe the narrow lane decents off of panorama). Ultimately, Etape Cymru could not get enough interest to justify the closed roads which is why it fell by the wayside.

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pruaga | 8 years ago
1 like

The guy on the left in the top photo should probably have left the rainbow jersey he bought at home for the day he met someone who had won those bands.

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Leviathan replied to pruaga | 8 years ago
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pruaga wrote:

The guy on the left in the top photo should probably have left the rainbow jersey he bought at home for the day he met someone who had won those bands.

Ha, I mock your snobbery. Yes the man bought a jersey. From a manufacturer who made and sold it. For promotion of said championship. Cav seems poised for a selfie and not the least bit dishonoured; just in your head mate; keep judgin'.

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don simon fbpe | 8 years ago
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I pulled out last year as there was too much confusion of the level of closed road riding.  Was it just the city centre that was closed last year?

What is the level of closure this year?

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