White Rose Classic
Event: 29 June 2014
Set to take place on the Sunday 29 June 2014, the White Rose Classic is fast becoming one of the north’s most prestigious road cycling sportive events.
Re-established in 2012 by Ilkley Cycling Club, after a brief absence from the sportive calendar, this 1000 rider event aims to provide a challenging day out through spectacular scenery in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Starting in the beautiful spa town of Ilkley, The White Rose Classic will offer riders a choice of three fabulous routes, tackling some of Yorkshire’s classic road climbs and taking place just one week before the ‘Tour de France Grand Depart’ passes through the town.
The routes on offer are designed to cater for differing levels of ability and experience attracting a range of participants from seasoned club riders aiming to achieve a sub seven-hour gold standard time, to those looking for a more leisurely but none-the-less challenging day out in the saddle.
The event is organised and run by a committed team of Ilkley Cycle Club volunteers in conjunction with British Cycling. The event will raise money for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, whilst also helping to fund Ilkley Cycling Club’s ambitious Youth Development Programme, which promotes cycling at grass-roots level in the area.
Stephanie Millward, Ilkley Cycle Club’s Chair, said “Our aim as a club is to promote cycling for all, from recreation to racing. By providing three levels of challenge in the White Rose Classic, we’re providing something for everyone - from riders trying their first sportive to seasoned enthusiasts looking to test themselves over some of the same terrain the Tour will tackle a few days later.”
Starting and finishing at Ilkley Rugby Club, the riders will head out through the heart of the stunning Yorkshire Dales taking in some of the official ‘2014 Tour de France’ route.
The epic 115-mile long route will take riders as far a field as Wensleydale and over the much revered Coal Road from Garsdale Head into Dentdale. With over 3000m of ascent it really will be a challenge. Riders taking on the 84 mile medium route will head up the picturesque valley of Littondale before tackling the testing climb from Halton Gill and dropping down into the market town of Settle.
Riders will weave through the backstreets of Settle only to be faced with a lung-busting climb past the imposing Attermire Scar before taking the fast open road descending in to the hamlet of Airton in Malhamdale. The short route, at 50 miles, is still a real test of fitness with a long pull up to Greenhow before returning home via Grassington following the course of the River Wharfe along the breathtaking valley of Wharfedale.
Weary legs will be tested to the absolute limit with a final 'sting in the tail' as all routes head up and over the Langbar climb before descending to the finish in Ilkley.
The top riders are expected to complete the long course in a little over 6 hours, but for many simply taking part and completing the event will be a huge achievement in itself. The ride will be supported with feed-stations strategically located at Grassington, Hawes and Airton, and up to the minute electronic timing chips will provide accurate overall rides times.
At £30 all three routes offer the same entry price, and riders will be able to change the length of route entered for on the day, depending on how well training plans have gone. The event is sure to be a sell out event with over 600 people already signed up since entries opened in December.
The fabulous facility at Ilkley Rugby club will provide changing rooms, showers, and hot food and drinks to replenish the depleted energy levels of the victorious riders on their return, which is included in the price.
As Ilkley prepares to welcome the ‘Tour de France Grand Depart’ to this special corner of Yorkshire, the White Rose Classic will mark the start of a week-long celebration in the town. Visiting cycling fans will be able to take part in a variety of events and activities organised by Ilkley Cycling Club and other local agencies and businesses.
In order to make the most of the Tour de France celebrations, and the White Rose Classic event, camping facilities will be provided on the adjacent East Holmes fields for those travelling from further afield, creating an ideal opportunity to enjoy a UK cycling holiday of a lifetime.
In addition to the White Rose Classic, Ilkley Cycling Club’s week-long celebration will include a series of daily "club rides" where everyone is welcome to join in. Wednesday 2 July will see the famous town centre races take place in the neighbouring town of Otley, while Thursday 3 July sees the Tour de France team presentation in Leeds, just 18 miles down the road.
At the weekend on the 7 and 8 July the opening stages of the Tour will see Ilkley and the surrounding area full of cyclists, families and friends enjoying the Tour de France spectacle & all the festivities planned around it.
