The Hartlepool Sportive is the first to be run in Hartlepool it’s being ran by local cyclists to put an event on in our local area.

The event is being run to raise money for the British Heart Foundation so any sponsor money or profit from the event will be donated to them from all the riders that take part.

We have received help and support from a local bike shop Wet Rock N Ride based on York road in Hartlepool. They are providing a free bike check for anyone doing the ride and will be providing tech support on the day.

Paul has also managed to get support from Wilier Performance Lab who will be onsite on the day and also in Wet Rock N Ride on July 20. We will also have a raffle on the day with prizes from Fizik, Wet Rock N Ride, Muc Off and much more. The Feed stations will also have your sports nutrition as well as water and any juice.

We have three routes a 52.5 mile with optional KOM and a 20 mile flat route ideal for the first time sportive rider. Both will have a feed station on each route with refreshments included in the entry price. The third route is a five mile family ride along the recently renovated sea front.

The sea front promenade has just been completed and is a nice smooth easy surface for all the children to ride along (must be accompanied by an adult). Along the way there are sets of swings slides and outdoor play areas for a quick rest stop if they feel the need then a quick turn around and back along the prom to the finish where the little ones pick up their medals.

The 52 mile route takes you out of Hartlepool, south via the salt marshes to Billingham where the route will bridge over the A19 and out into the countryside around Wynyard where the route meets its first little climb at Blakeston bank.

The route then heads over towards Sedgefield along some rolling countryside roads and up to Trimdon village where the route turns for Hartlepool - unless you’re brave enough to try the KOM loop.

The KOM starts for a short sharp 12 to 15% climb back the village where it’s a final left turn back on to the route into Hartlepool.

The 20 mile is a loop around the salt marshes using the same start point as the 52 mile but splits at Billingham to return back around the salt marshes into Seaton. The only ups and downs are bridges over railway lines and rivers.

Both routes will cross over the area known as seal sands. As you cross the bridge the seals will be sunning themselves on the mud banks on the inland side.

The HQ is located at the south end of Seaton at the Cricket, Sports and Social Club where we have the use of the facilities for showers and changing areas.