500 riders took part in the VO2 Cycling Sportive this past Saturday 8^th March, with cyclists of all abilities covering one of three stunning courses that took in the sights and roads of Hidenborough and Kent. The three distances on offer were a fun 30km, a challenging 65k and a gruelling 120km.

With all the distances starting and finishing at the British cycling brand VO2 headquarters in Hildenborough, and the sun shining on one of the most beautiful parts of the country, those taking part were in for a real treat even if the route planners had thrown in a few of the areas more testing hills.

The long route takes in some stunning scenery around Kent and Sussex and pushed cyclists to their very limits with the first challenge at Shipbourne Hill coming soon after the start.

From there the route would wind across to Knole Park in Sevenoaks and descends River Hill before entering Weald village. From Weald the route then took riders to Chiddingstone and around Bough Beech where it climbs the 2nd major climb - Ide Hill. At the top was the first feed station which gave those taking part the energy to continue and those who were taking on the fun 30km challenge would head for home.

After taking in the scenery and some more food the course descends to Brasted before climbing Toys Hill. The route then climbs out of Edenbridge and takes a 5 mile stretch of road into Ashdown Forest, an ‘area of outstanding beauty’. From there the climb is taken up Chuck Hatch and to the top of the stunning Forest with far reaching views and the 2^nd fully stocked feed station as a reward.

Cyclists then descend into Groombridge and across to Penshurst to climb up past PORC on Grove Road. From there the route winds its way back across to Bough Beech and onto Chiddingstone Causeway. The route then turns left to Weald and climbs Hubbards Hill, before descending and heading back to the finish line at VO2 Cycling’s HQ at Walled Gardens Hildenborough.

The 2015 edition of the VO2 Sportive was 7^th running of this popular event and is set to return again in 2016. Organised by Jimmy George and VO2 Cycling – the British cycling brand that specialises in a personalised bike fit service and high-quality carbon road bikes.

Visit www.thevo2sportive.co.uk to find out more about the event or www.vo2cycling.co.uk to find out more about their full range of performance road bikes, TT bikes, race wheels and accessories.