As we’ve hinted at before, sportives have become a dime a dozen around North Yorkshire – an event needs something special to impress us. The Struggle does that by pitching itself as the ‘been there,done that, time to really prove myself’ choice of ride. We’ve been tipped off about some of the names that plan on turning up and trust us, a high finish on this one will be well worth the bragging rights. Here’s what they told us:

The Struggle

 

Beginning in Harrogate on Sunday 22nd May 2016, North Yorkshire, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, riders with negotiate the region’s toughest climbs including Greenhow Hill, Malham Cove, Trapping Hill and the steepest ascents of Two Stoops and Park Rash.

The event’s inception is not only to feed the hunger of Yorkshire’s huge community of hardened cyclists, but to attract the nation’s keenest endurance riders to take on Yorkshire’s tough terrain.

Event Organiser Matthew Mannakee says: “As a cycling event organiser, but also a member of the Yorkshire cycling community, I see a big gap in the market for a challenging event like this that will showcase North Yorkshire cycling to the nation.”

Harrogate played host to the 2014 Tour de France Grand Depart and has since seen a huge influx of cycling tourists and interest in local events. “The Struggle is something different. You can’t just rock up and ride. It will take some serious training to complete,” says Matthew.

Event Organiser Victoria Tremlin says: “Our cycling events attract all abilities; social cyclists, clubs and race teams and often the local pros. An event like this is something new for locals to set training goals for, but also an excuse for the rest of the nation to come and ride our beautiful but brutal roads – and enjoy a long weekend in wonderful Harrogate.”

The Struggle is open for pre-registration now and will be open to those pre-registered in the new year. To ensure your name is on the start sheet visit www.ridethestruggle.com