What's important to you for an excellent Sportive?

wander wheels

Some Sportive events just get it spot on everytime like the Whitehorse Challenge - why do others not just copy what works? :roll:

Percy Vera

Greed?

Philip Whiteman

1. Incompetence

2. Greed

3. Because they know that there are plenty of muppets who will pay out extortionate entry fees unquestioningly.

4. Let down by third parties at the last moment.

5. Lack of consumer ethos.







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MarkRB

Refreshment stations - especially in the heat we have right now. La Grand Bô cyclosportive at Le Grand Bornand had one station on the 95 km route this year....

nickwill

A first rate challenging logical route which showcases the landscape of an interesting area.
Lots of hills
Quiet roads
Good signposting
A large enough field so that groups form.
Feedstops at about 25 -30 mile intervals. (As far as I'm concerned I'm not unduly bothered by large quantities and variety at feedstations, as long as I know I can refill my bottles quickly.)
The best events always seem to have a fast run in at the finish which makes for an exhilarating last hour as your average speed climbs rapidly.
Sufficient parking at the start/ finish line.

gabriel959

CLOSED ROADS.

Buckled_Rims

Good signposting on smaller sportives, especially if I don't know the route. Not bothered about feed stations if less then 60 miles. Parking near the start essential especially on a long ride. I hate the wrist timing tag, much prefer the necklace.

Oh and I hate starts that have a very steep hill immediately at the beginning...yes you Richmond 5 dales

JamesB

interesting and varied route, preferably a full circuit type, plenty of scenery

challenging but not stupidly so

good well stocked feedstops, as and when advertised

well signed, both directional and hazards

well marshalled, and friendly marshalls

good value, ie not overly expensive

event and results and pics delivered as advertsied at point of entry

term1te

Mountains
Stunning views
Good weather
closed roads, or rolling road block
Smooth roads with no gravel or broken glass
Epic climbs and terrifying descents
A couple of famous Cols?
Crossing the finishing line in front of those skinny guys with fancy bikes

Oh well, I can dream...

jrduquemin

Attractive female cyclists to get a tow from :-D

pantsani

Nickwill wrote:

A first rate challenging logical route which showcases the landscape of an interesting area.
Lots of hills
Quiet roads
Good signposting
A large enough field so that groups form.
Feedstops at about 25 -30 mile intervals. (As far as I'm concerned I'm not unduly bothered by large quantities and variety at feedstations, as long as I know I can refill my bottles quickly.)
The best events always seem to have a fast run in at the finish which makes for an exhilarating last hour as your average speed climbs rapidly.
Sufficient parking at the start/ finish line.

+1 Nail hit on head for me

Mr Smooth

To add to Nickwill's list, I'd like

Countdown signs, say 10, 3 and 1 mile to go, as per Dartmoor Classic

Realistic standards based on age/sex - I can dream of getting a gold

A 'well done' at the end, and a certificate or medal is a nice memento.

I'm certainly not fussed about a goody bag with bike cleaning gels in or a free T-shirt - why would I want to advertise someone's ride I've paid to do? I'd much rather have a free drink and cake at the finish. (can't they bring the un-eaten food from the earlier feedstops back to the finish?)

twotyred

First of all efficient registration and starting. I've done two sportives so far this year and both have been spoilt by queues either at registration or the start. I just want to park up, sign on and go.

Then an interesting, challenging, well signed route with well stocked feed stations.

Like Mr Smooth said realistic standards e.g. the gold and silver standards for the Dragon Ride this year were totally ridiculous.