Lapierre White Roads Classic

Entries are now open for the Lapierre ‘White Roads Classic’ – a tough 135 km (84-mile) sportive inspired by what is possibly the most beautiful professional bike race in the world: the Italian one-day Classic known as the Strade Bianche. This race is held annually in the hills of Tuscany in early Spring, and its most distinctive feature is the inclusion of several old white gravel roads or ‘strade bianche’, which are becoming as iconic as the cobbled roads of Roubaix and Flanders.

The White Roads Classic similarly features sectors of white gravel and chalk roads (sixteen in total, ranging from 1300m to 6200m in length) on and around the Ridgeway National Trail in Oxfordshire. The Ridgeway is the oldest road in Britain, dating back at least 5000 years. It sits atop the spectacular chalk downland of the North Wessex Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which, on a sunny day, bear a striking resemblance to the hills of Tuscany. All of the roads used on the route are relatively traffic-free, with the majority of the White Road sectors being closed to all traffic.

The event will have an Italian theme, with a variety of Italian foods, espresso, and a glass of prosecco for every finisher. Feed stations, a broom wagon and medical support will be provided. There is also the option of a shorter 75 km (46-mile) route, which skips sectors 8,9, 10 and 11, but is otherwise the same as the full 135 km route.