English
Preview ride – The Verenti Magnificat Sportive
Accepting an invitation to attend the press preview ride of the Magnificat was an easy decision for Dave Lee, or so he thought. It suddenly dawned on him that 127 miles around the North Downs was not going to be a walk in the park and so it proved !
Arriving at Newbury race course you can’t help but be impressed by the grandeur of the event HQ. Greeted by organisers and fellow riders, the local Mayor mixes with all, prior to the photo call.
There appears to be something on offer for everyone on Sunday 13th June 2010, from the Kiddicat 1.9 mile circuit within the race course, a 51 mile Communicat, the 80 mile Route80Cat, up to the full fat Magnificat, 127 miles with 2800m of climbing.
The event organisers have gathered sponsorship from Verenti bikes, Torq energy products and Mavic. Verenti bikes were on show, Torq goodie bag with gels and powders provided for the ride and Mavic provided roadside mechanical assistance – result.
Having not ridden in this area before, Dave was pleasantly surprised as the route left the suburbs and was soon in quiet lanes and before too long the road rose up onto Walbury Hill. Lungs receive a rude awakening but rewarded with impressive views across chalky fields, sweeping descents, repeat several times, add riding through some beautiful picturesque villages, this was to be the lasting memory to the first feed at the 40 mile mark.
The feed station provided for the preview riders, just after Stockbridge, was an impressive affair, the selection available would actually put some official stops on other events to shame.
Before too long and the ride continues, the route skirts around Winchester, more lovely climbs on quiet lanes and immediately before Petersfield the route thankfully starts heading north and gives you a comforting feeling that you are now on the return leg! You enter a village called Steep, no, surely not ? But yes you start a 2 mile climb, thankfully not too steep, just enough to extract more from your fast reducing energy stores. As the 80 mile mark approaches the second feed can’t come soon enough, again a sportive feast, sandwiches, cake, flapjack, salted biscuits and energy products.
The final third and reassured that there are only 2 recognised climbs to tackle on the route back to Newbury, riders set off to breach the usual Sportive 100 mile marker and beyond. Either the organisers have a few digits missing or they didn’t want to worry their assembled ‘press’ but there were more than 2 climbs to negotiate before the refuge of the race course. Ok admittedly the other climbs were perhaps only just more than undulations but the cumulative effect gives them a ‘col’ appearance.
On the run in, the road signs play tricks on a tired mind, when a fingerpost pointing left indicates 5 miles to Newbury and the course turns right in the opposite direction!!! Riders should dig deep, only a few undulations now, then as you reach Greenham Common, push on, you will recognise the next roundabout as the point that completes the full circle and all that is left is to enjoy the descent to the HQ.
Riders should give themselves a pat on the back, completion of this ride is a success. No one or two monster climbs, but a mix of short sharp climbs and long drags all contribute to weary legs. Getting nutrition and a fluid strategy is essential. This is a fantastic ride, the weather obviously contributes to the feel good factor. If there are sunny, cloudless skies on the 13th June 2010 then entrants are in for a treat.
Don’t try this at home folks. Just pleased to be there, when Dave is asked if he would ride a Verenti Rhigos 03 test bike on the preview ride he feels compelled to accept. On reflection, 127 miles on a new bike, unfamiliar saddle, using Sram gearing for the first time is crazy. All that said after about an hour Dave had got used to the Sram gearing and after the full ride, had to conclude that it had been a very comfy ride. The carbon frame gave a forgiving smooth ride, the Sportive specific geometry giving the rider a more comfortable upright position.
In conclusion this is a challenge not to be entered into lightly, set off too quickly at your peril ! This is a top event and has various options tailored to varying standards of riders, choose wisely!
To book your place in this superb event visit www.cyclegb.co.uk/news/verenti
