Entries open for second annual Graeme Obree Ayrshire Sportive this July

Entries are now open for the second edition of the Graeme Obree Ayrshire Sportive, which provides a choice of two sportive rides on Sunday 29th July – the day after the Olympic men’s road race – and which will be preceded by a family and disability ride on the Saturday.

Promising “Fast roads, light traffic, punchy climbs, long climbs” and “technical descents,” the event, which is supported by South Ayrshire Council and Auchincruive SAC, features an intermediate sportive ride of 48.5 miles and an endurance ride of 68.5 miles.

Entry fees for both are £35 and full details including links to route maps and details of how to enter can be found on Obree’s website. Further details of the family and disability ride, including how to enter, will be published later in the year.

Obree said: “Last year’s event was really enjoyable. I set off with the intention of riding the shorter course and chatting with as many riders as possible. I ended up riding the longer course and this allowed me the chance to share a chat with a
huge number of riders of all abilities and from lots of different backgrounds.

“This proved to be an inspired choice as the feedback I got was enlightening and the general consensus was the sportive was proving to be something special. 

“Well, I can confirm that the work that went into organising last year’s event was quite incredible with a huge effort from all parties to ensure a safe event on some quite exceptional roads.

“The same focus and concentration will be brought to bear to make this year’s event even more special. Many thanks are due to South Ayrshire Council for their most energetic support of the Graeme Obree Ayrshire Sportive and to Auchincruive SAC for providing the event HQ infrastructure.

“This year we have decided to separate the main sportive from the family even. The family event will run on Saturday 28th July with the sportive rides on the 29th July.

“I am delighted to say that the family ride will also be open to riders with a disability this year and again the course selection has been key to offering a course which will suit riders of all abilities.

“I am a great fan of seeing as many people as possible getting on their bikes and I am inspired by those with a disability who demonstrate incredible courage and great spirit to fight adversity and get on their bikes.

“The course for the family and disability ride will be from Ayr centre along the costal path to Troon, mostly on cycle paths and avoiding main roads. Riders will get the pleasure of riding along the Ayrshire Coast, always a magnificent experience.”

“Online registration and more event information on the family and disability ride will be published early in 2012. The main sportive events will run again over two distances 48.5 and 68.5 miles on Sunday 29th July. 

“I hope to see lots of old and new faces on the start line on 28th and 29th July, 2012,” he added.

Councillor Bill McIntosh, Leader of South Ayrshire Council, commented: “I am delighted The Graeme Obree Ayrshire Sportive is returning to South Ayrshire in 2012, following a successful inaugural event and am particularly pleased the event is being extended into a festival weekend, giving even more people the opportunity to get involved.

“The Sportive will once again offer something for everyone – from the most amateur of cyclists to the most professional – and will offer a terrific day out as well as an exciting sporting event. I look forward to welcoming cyclists of all ages to our wonderful area where they can take advantage of our fantastic cycling network and facilities as well as our stunning scenery and coastlines and warm hospitality.”