Final preparations are well underway to ensure that this year’s sell out White Rose Classic is the best yet. Taking place on Sunday 29 June, the event helps kick-off a week-long celebration of cycling as the picturesque spa town of Ilkley prepares to welcome the Tour de France grand depart when the world famous race will grace the town’s tarmac the following weekend.
The White Rose Classic is fast becoming recognised as one of the north’s most prestigious road cycling sportive events and was welcomed back to the sportive calendar when it was re-established by Ilkley Cycling Club in 2012. 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 2014 Tour de France route.
The 1000 rider event aims to provide a challenging day out through spectacular scenery and offers riders the choice of three fabulous routes, tackling some of Yorkshire’s classic road climbs including; Norwood Edge, Fleet Moss, The Coal Road, Attermire Scar and Langbar.
The routes on offer are designed to cater for differing levels of ability and experience, attracting a range of participants from the seasoned club rider aiming to achieve a sub seven-hour gold standard for the long route, to those looking for a more leisurely, but none-the-less challenging day out in the saddle on the shorter routes.
Ilkley Cycles club’s aim is to promote cycling for all, from recreation to racing, and by offering three levels of challenge the White Rose Classic provides something for everyone.
For those booked onto the 50 mile short route, this offers an excellent opportunity for riders with a moderate level of fitness to dip their toes into the world of cyclo-sportives. The first feed station at Grassington pretty much marks the halfway point on the short route, and will be a welcome opportunity to refuel and take a short break. The two key climbs on the short route include Norwood Edge, gaining approximately 170metres in a shade under 2km – an average gradient of 9.3%, and the final climb of the day up Langbar, another 2km climb at a slightly less severe gradient of 7.1%.
For those taking on the epic 115 mile long route, this will take you up the locally renowned Fleet Moss dropping down into Wensleydale, famous for its dry stone walls and barns (as noted by Team Giant/Shimano who recently visited the area on a grand depart recce), and returning via 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 riders will be supported with feed-stations strategically located at Grassington, Hawes and Airton.
The fabulous facility at Ilkley Rugby club will provide changing rooms, showers, and hot food and drinks to replenish the depleted energy levels of riders on their return, which is all included in the entry price. 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.
Other Activities
In addition to the White Rose Classic, Ilkley Cycling Club’s week-long celebration will include a series of daily club rides where everyone will be welcome to join in.
Just four days before stage one of the Tour de France passes through the town, Ilkley Cycling Club will also be hosting an evening of racing in the town centre. Top sporting action and entertainment is promised as the region's best cyclists prepare to take to the streets of the town as part of the build up to the Yorkshire Grand Depart. The races promise to be a thrilling spectacle with riders going past at speeds up to 40mph, especially in the home straight along The Grove. Round the back of the circuit there are some very tight corners and the event will be a real showcase of cycling excellence.
Wednesday 2 July will see the famous Town Centre races take place in the neighbouring town of Otley, whilst Thursday 3 July sees the Tour de France team presentation in Leeds, just 18 miles down the road. At the weekend on the 7-8 July the opening two stages of the Tour will see Ilkley and the surrounding area full of cyclists, families and friends enjoying the Tour de France spectacle and all the festivities planned around it.
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.
More details on the White Rose Classic and Ilkley’s Grande Depart celebrations can be found on:
