Sportive training weekends in the UK

We have teamed up with Ken Middlemiss who is providing training camps in the UK for ease of access and of shorter in duration than our France based camps.

Whilst little in the UK can prepare you for the French climbs, the Dartmoor weekends are designed to give you a taster of what is to come, and strategies to deal with it effectively. The staff, all experienced riders on the continent are able to give you appropriate and personalised advice for the Etape or other sportifs, based on these weekends

Our trainers, who have worked as cycling guides in France, will take you out on well researched local routes, used for training for their own gold medal winning French sportif entries.

The routes will contain climbs of similar gradient to the long French ones and incidentally, showing you some of the best scenery the area has to offer. You will be given maps and directions which you can keep for further training sessions or pleasure riding in the area in future.

Emphasis is on economy with bunkhouse type accommodation with hot showers, drying room, and secure bike storage — bring your own sleeping bag.

The weekend has been designed for the sportif rider to attend before the sportif season kicks off properly in the UK, and of course to provide valuable insight and training for the Continental rides.

The first weekend, is a fortnight before the Fred Whitton Challenge and the Dartmoor Classic, and is tailored for riders participating in these events, as well as for those on the longer Continental climbs and descents.

Arriving on Friday night, we ride start early Saturday and Sunday, with an opportunity to quiz our staff over dinner (featuring local produce) in a local hostelry, on Saturday night and over a late lunch on Sunday.

Group sizes are limited to 16 to allow plenty of one-on-one advice, and so early booking is advised. The cost of the weekend is £195.00 – contact Ken Middlemiss on 07849 758 131 or email bassbass@tiscali.co.uk The first weekend takes place on Friday 25th – 26th April.

What’s included

• Transfers from Exeter or Plymouth railway stations if required
• Breakfast of cereals/porridge
• Maps and route sheets
• Supported rides on Saturday and Sunday
• Mechanical assistance
• Supper on Saturday and late lunch on Sunday

What’s not included

• Friday night supper – people will be arriving at different times; there is a pub 15 yards from the bunkhouse that does excellent food!
• You'll need to bring your own gels/energy drinks-this is a good time to try them out
• Wine and beer is not included at supper or lunch, though it is available if you want to run your own tab
• You'll need to bring a sleeping bag