The South Downs Way has been a rather popular route for mountain bikes, and cyclists of a more skinny-tyre persuasion now have reason to celebrate. The first ever CX Century – The South Downs Way gets down on 9th July, 2016 in Winchester. The course then winds its way down to Beachy Head – the 100-mile version of the event – with 11,660 feet of elevation gain along the way.
If you like to count numbers in kilometers, you can also have yourself a metric century version of the race. This 100-kilometer course will share much of the same chalky gravel roads, huge climbs and sweeping descents as its 100-mile sibling. The 100km route will start in Winchester, but end atop Truleigh Hill above Shoreham, but not before you conquer 2200 meters of climbing.
The surface of both routes will be 90% unpaved.
The CX Century – The South Downs Way promises to be a “a supreme physical rather than technical challenge,” and organizers state the event will fully-supported, and feature clear and plentiful route markings and several well-stocked support stops.
And…cough…the event is open to any form of bicycle (like a mountain bike), but you won’t get the full experience…or honour:
CX Century is open to any bike (MTBs are welcome), but if you finish it on a CX (cyclocross or gravel bike), you’ll qualify for a finishers medal and roll of honour listing. To qualify for the commemorative CX Finishers medal, your bike should meet the following criteria:
- No suspension.
- 40mm / 1.5 inch tyres maximum.
- Drop bars preferred; flat bars tolerated. No riser bars.
However – if you want to ride CX Century on an MTB (of any description) then yes, you can! It’s an amazing ride and a heck of a challenge on any bike!
Check the official web site for The CX Century for more info on the event, and links to register for the 100-mile or 100-kilometer versions.
