Our thanks to Duncan Hopwood who both rode and reported on this year’s sportive.
Despite temperatures more reminiscent of early spring than mid-June, some 125 riders turned out to support the 11th Macmillan Welland Valley Sportive.
Setting out from Grange Farm, Thorpe Langton, (home of the Langton Brewery), participants could choose from a range of road and gravel routes designed to suit all ages and abilities.
With more choice than ever this year, participants had even more opportunities to enjoy the beautiful Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire countryside.
One thing all the courses had in common was hills. Another was a brisk wind, mostly cutting across the out-and-back courses but also throwing up stretches of testing headwinds and thrilling tailwinds.
Early on, the cooler conditions meant arm warmers and gilets were the order of the day, but things warmed up once the kilometres began to tick by. Riders enjoyed quiet country lanes, scenic trails and well-stocked refreshment stops before returning to Grange Farm for a beer on the house, not to mention homemade cakes, a barbecue and live music creating a fantastic finish to a memorable day.
The event simply would not happen without the dedication of the club’s volunteers. From planning the routes and managing registrations to marshalling, catering, parking, mechanical support and clearing away afterwards, dozens of Welland Valley Cycling Club members generously gave their time to ensure the day ran safely and smoothly. Their hard work received plenty of appreciative comments from riders throughout the event.
Most importantly, the sportive once again raised valuable funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, helping people living with cancer receive practical, emotional and financial support when they need it most. As in previous years, a proportion of the proceeds will also be donated to Thomas’s Fund, a charity that holds a special place in the hearts of many Welland Valley Cycling Club members.
Welland Valley Cycling Club would like to thank every rider who took part, every volunteer who helped behind the scenes, our event partners and supporters, and everyone who came along to make the day such a success.
We hope everyone enjoyed the ride and look forward to welcoming you back for an even bigger and better Macmillan Welland Valley Sportive in 2027.
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