Nathanael, Sean and Iain were lucky (or some would say unlucky) enough to obtain a place through the ballet for the 25th anniversary of the Fred Whitton sportive. The Fred Whitton Challenge is one of the most popular sportives in the UK and was dubbed ‘The Daddy of them all’ by Cycling Weekly. Riders rank it alongside European events such as the Marmotte in terms of difficulty.
Bleary eyed and full of excitement and anticipation of what was to come, Nathanael, Sean and Iain set off at 6am from the Grasmere Showground, with 112 miles and over 11,000 feet of climbing in front of them.
The route started with the easier climbs of Kirkstone Pass and Park Brow, and with warm, sunny weather, they were lured into thinking this isn’t as bad as everyone makes out. That soon changed after tackling Honister, Newlands Hause and Whinlatter Pass.
After one further big climb up Cold Fell, the real test started at mile 97. Hardknot Pass. Rated 10/10, some say it is the hardest climb in the UK. If they legs weren’t tired by then, they were at the top of the 2.2km long climb, which was closed to traffic for the event. The first set of two switchbacks hit 25% in the corners and then the brutal final switch back reaching a gruelling 33%. What an amazing sense of achievement at the summit, which was rewarded by stunning views of the Lake District.
Soon after descending Hardknot, passing riders walking their bikes down due to the steepness, they were straight into the last big climb of Wrynose Pass, with the steepest gradient reaching just shy of 25%.
After 8 hour 30 minutes of riding, three very weary riders crossed the finish line with beaming grins after completing an epic challenge. Supported on the route by crowds of spectators with cow bells and dance music blaring at food station, they were finally rewarded with a cold can of alcohol-free beer and pie and mash by the event organisers.