Autumn Epic 2009

Online entry to the 2009 Autumn Epic is now open here and the latest rider list is available here. The entry limit will be 1100, as in 2008 - because the event comes at the end of the season it tends to fill more steadily than other earlier events, but hundreds of riders left it too late in 2007 and 2008 as we still sold out months ahead. Once again, we will not be operating a reserve list, so please do enter in good time if you plan to ride. The rider list will be posted here from 17th March and updated regularly.

News: We are delighted to have been ranked the number one UK sportive for the second year running in 2008, by subscribers to cyclosport.org.

"In short, a must-do ride!" - Cycling Plus Dec 2008 (click and zoom for full report).

The Autumn Epic is a European-style cyclosportive, starting in Knighton in the Welsh Marches, and taking you through the superb scenery of the ancient county of Radnorshire. Now in its fifth year, the Epic is an ideal way to round off your season and make great use of that summer fitness.

Radnorshire is near perfect cycling territory, with its unspoilt countryside and peaceful roads - you are in for a real treat if this is your first visit. You will be taken you through some truly outstanding scenery, including hills, lakes, valleys and moorland. The ride climbs from the first mile, and highlights include the Elan Valley mountain road, Glascwm and Abbey Cwm Hir climbs.

The route in 2009 will be the same as that in 2008 (but will have a very different character if the weather is anything approaching normal!) and is little over 150km with around 3000m of climbing. We made some changes to the route last year, including a swift new exit from the start town, culminating with a beautiful climb and cross moorland ride.

Times for 2008 are available in XLS format here, with excellent event photographs being available here.

We are proud of the Autumn Epic’s reputation for organisation, friendliness and clear signage and will be retaining the extras that we introduced last year that we feel have set new standards for UK cyclosportives, while retaining the friendly feel that the Autumn Epic is famous for.

In particular, we will once agaion be offering free hot food that the finish from the famous Wilf's Cafe.