Tour of Wessex

Event Information

The Tour of Wessex features a number of ride distances over the weekend to suit all levels of fitness and ability – from 3.75 miles all the way up to the UK’s leading 3 stage sportive, comprising 324 miles in three days.

The event HQ is Huish Academy, Wincanton Road, Langport, TA10 9SS

The following will help to ensure that whichever event you have entered that your day(s) run smoothly and that you have a memorable experience for all the right reasons!

Rider Entry Packs

Entry packs will be posted out 10 days prior to the event. If you are a foreign national or live abroad you will collect your entry pack at the event HQ. Please ensure that your contact details are up to date in order that you receive your pack. 

Registration for foreign riders 

This takes place at the event HQ. Registration will be open at the following times only:

Saturday 07:00 to 08:00

Sunday 07:00 to 08:00

Monday 07:00 to 08:00

Your rider pack will contain the following: 

• Bike/Rider Number and Ties 
• Timing Chip attached to the number
• Ride Guide

You will be issued with one number for all stages, this must be secured to the handle bars of your bike with the cable ties.  

The transponder allows us to record your start and finish time for the event as well as on route split times.  Please do not bend or cut your timing chip it as this will damage the chip and will likely result in you not receiving a time. 

Route map  

A large scale map to act as a rough guide and allow you to get back on track or find your way back to Langport in the unlikely event you stray off course. 

Ride guide  

A check list of equipment you may require and essential information about the ride, including emergency numbers.

Car Parking 

Car parking is free. The car parks will be signed and have stewards, please follow their directions. 

Start Times  

08:00 each day for the Standard and Medium routes.

10:00 for the Family ride on Saturday

Route Signage

The Standard route(s) are signed, with YELLOW and BLACK event signs. 100 mile (stage 1) 120 mile route (stage 2) and 104 mile route (stage 3). 

The Medium distance route(s) split are signed with RED and BLACK event signs. 78 mile (Stage 1), 79 mile (Stage 2) and 643 mile (stage 3) 

Please pay attention to Highways road signs particularly those that indicate road hazards such as cattle grids; these can be very slippery in the wet. We have also added extra warning signs for sharp bends and steep descents. Please be careful on narrow sections of road and descents, keeping a safe distance between yourself and the rider in front, especially in the wet. 

Safety Points 

You will be riding on the open road alongside other traffic so it is essential for your own safety and that of all other road users that you comply with ALL TRAFFIC REGULATIONS. 

Please ensure you obey any instructions given by the moto marshals and pay particular attention at traffic lights, roundabouts and difficult turns. 

As we are providing back-up facilities we must insist that your supporters, friends and family do not bring any vehicles out on the route to follow you as this may create congestion and could be a danger to cyclists and other road users. 

In the event of an accident – If you are involved in a serious accident requiring immediate medical attention then ring 999, then the organisers event support number. The route is  patrolled by National Escort Group riders that are on hand to assist. For minor injuries there are basic 1st Aid kits at each of the feed stations. 

Assistance During the Ride – Should you require assistance please phone the event organisers number. We strongly recommend that you add these numbers to your mobile phone and keep with you at all times during the event. 

There are cut-off times at which the moto marshals will stand down. The sweep vehicle will be traveling along the route at 20kmh/12.5 mph and will be collecting signage as it goes. If it catches up with you, you can either be transported to the finish or if you wish to continue on at your own pace you may but be aware these will be no signage. The finish closes at 5:30 pm each day. If you arrive after this time you will not receive a time or finishing place for that stage 

N.B. If you decided to continue after the sweep vehicle has passed you, you will have to navigate your own route, and you will also no longer be covered by the event support services. If you do this, or drop-out at any other stage, then you must call the organiser to report this to the event team. 

Riders Code of Conduct 

You will be riding on public roads, so you must obey Highway Code regulations. Any rider seen not complying with the code could be reported and we are obliged to provide their details to the police. 

Litter – There will be litter and recycling skips at the event HQ and at feed stations. Please use them and don’t drop any litter it gives cyclists a bad name! 

Ride Guide 

Traffic Regulations: Although there will be traffic management at key stages of the event, plus support from police and local authorities in planning the event, the Tour of Wessex Cyclosportive does take place on public roads, so you need to follow Highway Code regulations just as you would on a regular ride. You should be confident that you can ride in the following road conditions: 

•   Busy urban main roads
•   Town center traffic
•   De-restricted rural roads
•   Narrow country lanes
•   Complex roundabouts
•   Riding in potentially large groups

Marshaling: The Tour of Wessex Cyclosportive relies on mobile moto safety marshals and arrows at key points along the route, to keep you safe and on track. Therefore, its in your interests to follow the instructions of all marshals and event officials. You should be aware that marshals are only in place should you get into difficulty, not to control other traffic. 

Sportive, not Race: The Tour of Wessex Cyclosportive is a non competitive event. Whilst many experienced cyclosportive riders will be keen to record a quick time, the event is not a race so do not treat it as one. Your safety and that of other road uses is paramount. 

What Bike:

When choosing a bike for the event, you need to take into account your ability to maintain the minimum average speed cut off of 20kmh (12.5mph) over the route distance. Therefore an efficient, comfortable and well maintained bike is essential. 

What to bring:

Although the event will be supported by Shimano Neutral service, and feed stations en-route, we still recommend that you bring a multi tool, two spare tubes, tyre levers, a working pump and adequate hydration and food. You are strongly advised to bring a mobile phone and a small amount of cash in case of emergencies, enabling you to keep in touch with event organisers. In your registration pack you will find a foldable ride guide that will fit in your jersey pocket that you should keep with you for the duration of the ride, it contains key event emergency numbers. 

What to wear:

All riders are advised that it is compulsory to wear a correctly fitting cycle helmet that conforms to current UK safety standards. Sorry, no helmet, no ride. 

Because the event takes place on the public road, you are strongly advised to wear hi visibility clothing of some sort. Being that the event is held at the end of May, weather conditions can change rapidly! Therefore, we advise that you wear adequate layers, arm and leg warmers, gilet and a waterproof jacket. We recommend that you wear proper padded cycling shorts and a pair of cycling mitts, both of which will also add to your comfort levels on what will be a long day in the saddle for even the fittest of cyclosportive riders. It has been known to be sunny at that time of year, so make sure you protect yourself with a high factor sun block! 

Dropping Out:

If you decide to drop out of the ride for any reason, you must let the organizers know by calling the event contact number published on your ride guide so we can account for you and make arrangements for the return of your timing chip. 

Medical Cover:

First-aid cover will be provided by St John’s Ambulance for the whole event. There will also be back-up and sweep vehicles operating throughout for those riders who require them. Should this be the case, please either report to the nearest marshal or call the event organisers on the numbers given in this pack. 

Mechanical Cover:

There will be 3 Shimano neutral service vehicles on route and mechanical assistance located at feed stations , you will be charged for parts but we will try to get you back on the road if at all possible. 

Refreshments:

Refreshments are provided as follows: 

HQ – Pre-booked breakfast will be available from 6:30 am each morning at the HQ. Other refreshments will be available to purchase all day Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 7:00 am. There will be hot/cold drinks, food, cakes, snacks and sandwiches from 10:30 am each day.

En-route – There will be three feed stations en-route, approximately every 40 km (25 miles) 

Toilets:

These are provided at the start, finish, and at the feed stations so there will be no need to attend to the call of nature in public! If you are seen urinating at the start, in any urban areas, at feed station or any other public place you will be removed from the event and your details passed to the police. You have been warned!

Showers:

Are located at the HQ in the leisure center. 

After the Finish:

You will finish the event each day at the HQ, once you have passed the finish line (at which point your finish time will be recorded) you are asked to clear the area to allow room for the next finishers. You will be directed through the finish site where you will collect your medal. Your timing chip is disposable so you do not need to hand it back . However if you are riding more than one day please remember not to damage your chip which is located on the back of your number board.

Finish Times:

An alphabetical list of finishers and times will be posted on www.tourofwessex.com the day after the event. 

 Age categories will be as follows:

A : 18 to 29 years

D: 50 to 59 years

 B : 30 to 39  years

 E: 60 years and over

 C: 40-49 years

 F: Para Cycling

 * To calculate Women’s age categories add 20 minutes

Time bands are printed in the event program.

General Queries:

Contact Pendragon Sports: [email protected] or 01963 341250

Event HQ

The Start/Finish and Registration are all located at Huish Academy, Wincanton Rd, Langport TA10 9SS

Getting to the Tour of Wessex

The closest international airports are Bristol (38 miles), Heathrow (100 miles), Southampton (60 miles), Exeter (60 miles).

Drive time: Bristol to event – 40 mins, Heathrow to event 2 hrs.

Train service: From Heathrow take airbus to Reading then a train to Castle Cary or Taunton (Somerset). Or airbus to Woking and a train to Yeovil.

Sea

From St Malo, France to Poole, Dorset. 4hr 30 mins Condor Ferries

Road

• From central London (120 miles) 2hrs – 2 hr 30 mins. Take the M3 then the A303. At the Podimore roundabout take A372 direction Langport. 

• From the West take the A303, At the Podimore roundabout take A372 direction Langport.

• From Bristol take the M5 to Jct 23, then the A39 direction Street and Glastonbury. At Street take B3151 to Langport.

 Rail

• The nearest train stations are Taunton (14 miles) Castle Cary (17.5 miles), Yeovil (14 miles). Further information can be found at National Rail Inquiries.

Coaches

• From London (Hammersmith) to Taunton (Berrys Coaches)

• From Bristol to Yeovil (National Express)