Recommend a few sportives for a newbie?

colm_gti

I've been working away clocking up the kms over the past few months, only really tracking it properly since the beginning of this year, but I'm upping the training a little as of this week, aiming for ~250km a week between commuting and spins. I've always preferred to have goals to work towards to give workouts that bit more focus, and I guess doing a few sportives would probably be the best way to start out.

I know of the tour de connemara and wicklow 200, both of which are within 2 weeks of each other, and am looking at signing up for at least one of them, but are there any more that you guys would recommend for someone relatively new to the scene?

smacl

The Kare tour de foothills might be a good one to start on, as it is a relatively easy route. Haven't done it myself, but probably will this year, as it has been recommended by friends.

My first sportifs were the Wicklow 100 and the etape hibernia (Clare), both of which I really enjoyed though they've had mixed reviews. Did the Wicklow 200 last year, which is a long and challenging route, and wasn't helped by crap weather on the day. I'd recommend getting a few hilly 120k+ spins in before attempting it.

The Ring of Kerry seems like a long enough spin, a good first sportif, and amazing craic. If you could get organised to be in the kingdom for it, I'd guess it would be a blast. Also on my to do list for this year.

ROK ON

It largely depends on what you want.

circa 150km with some tough climbs and a great route with great organisation:
Mt Leinster Challenge by Slaney CC. Starting in Enniscorthy
Conor Pass Challenge (Conor Pass, Slea Head etc) by Chain Gang Tralee CC

Shorter and fast
Kare Tour de Foothills in Naas was great last year.

Tour de Burren, Tour de Kilkenny and Sean Kelly Challenge always get great reviews, as does Ring of Kerry.

The calendar is now chock a block full of events throughout the year (500 people turned up at a sportif outside Cork last Sunday for example).

Pick the type of event that you want, in a part of the country that you want to cycle in. I would be surprised if you cant find something.

LCD

Tour of Louth, 100km on the Sunday before the Wicklow 200km. One climb on the route, hot food (new for 2012) & showers after, gold/silver/bronze medals based on finishing time.

banger01

The VEE challenge
WhenSunday, Aug 12, 2012
DescriptionProvince: Munster Event: The VEE challenge Promoter: Youghal Cycling Club Contact Details: Jonathan Tobin, 086 8563292, youghalcyclingc​lub@gmail.com Distance: 130km and 90km

mountclare4

Celtic Series Tour de Conamara - ride with Bernard Hinault - not a bad way to start your career - and you will get a free rain / wind jacket and see a great part of world

www.celticseries2012.com

Watchtours CC

Lap of Laois is on sunday 25th March if you are looking for something in the near future. www.facebook.com/lapoflaois for details