Ballot opens for Saddleback Fred Whitton Challenge 2018

The ballot is now open for the Saddleback Fred Whitton Challenge 2018. With only 2,000 places allocated by ballot, this event is hugely oversubscribed every year.

The ballot for is open from 10am 3 January until 5pm 15 January 2018. Hopeful riders can visit the website within this window, to register in the ballot and have a chance of securing a place. Entrants can register as individuals, giving them one "ticket in the lottery", or as a group of four, which gives them one ticket, but if successful all four riders get in.

Set yourself an epic challenge this May by entering the Fred Whitton Challenge.

Famed for its difficulty, the 112-mile route of the Fred Whitton has become a classic over the past 18 years. It's rated as one of the UK's toughest sportives, with 3950m of climbing taking in all of the major passes in the Lake District National Park.

The infamous climbs of Hardknott and Wrynose, with a 30% gradient at 98 miles, have sealed the Fred's status as a challenge on par with continental cyclosportives like La Marmotte. Top riders complete the route in just under six hours, but eleven hours and over is not uncommon for the average sportive rider.

The 2018 edition of the Fred Whitton Challenge will take place on Sunday 13 May 2018 from Grasmere in the Lake District.

A truly local event, the Fred Whitton showcases incredible volunteer support from Lakes cycling clubs - expect cowbells! - while feed stations are stocked with handmade cakes and other local Lakes produce.

Paul Loftus, Chair of the Steering Group, says; "Opening the ballot is always an exciting time for us. We're looking forward to show more first timers, and overseas riders the fantastic riding there is to be found in The Lakes, and of course there's always such camaraderie amongst our die-hard regular riders."

Nick Rusling, CEO of Human Race, days; "We are amazed every year at the appetite for The Fred. Again, we have seen record numbers of charity entries this year for our local charities, which shows that the appetite is still growing. We look forward to showing off this new UNESCO World Heritage Site in all its glory."

All riders are encouraged to fundraise for Macmillan Cancer Care. The Fred Whitton Challenge has now raised £1,138,000 for Macmillan and local charities.

For more details and to register for the ballot, visit www.fredwhittonchallenge.co.uk.