'Ey up! See Yorkshire the way the Pros do: by going up hill and down dale. Choose a ride length to match your fitness and training goals:

- Short, to enjoy the unique Yorkshire scenery and friendly comradery

- Medium, to boost your fitness for goals later in the summer

- Long, for an authentic Yorkshire challenge.

The event fee includes multiple fully-stocked feedstations, mechanical support, an after-ride meal, and a unique event memento as you finish. The easily accessible HQ facility features ample car & bike parking, as well as showers & changing facilities. Relax post-ride, taking advantage of a bar with genuine Yorkshire ales, cycling-related stands and activities for riders, as well as for families waiting in support. 

Once again, we are pleased to make road cycling more accessible to women, with women-only start times for each of the three route options. Don't be intimidated: grab a friend, or just join a group on the day and ride in a supportive environment where you can push yourself and help others. There will be mechanical support riders and vehicle following the women's group for each route to encourage those newer to cycling or wanting to challenge themselves to new accomplishments. 

The White Rose Classic is organised and run entirely by volunteers from Ilkley Cycling Club. All profits from the event go towards promoting grass-roots cycling initiatives, including supporting our youth development programme & encouraging more men and women  to ride bikes as per our club motto "From Recreation to Racing" 

Info for Riders

Widely considered the premier Yorkshire road cycling sportive, the White Rose Classic offers three challenging routes which will take you into the heart of the stunning Yorkshire Dales. You will take in some of the iconic climbs which have made Yorkshire a cycling mecca. All routes start and end in Ilkley and none are to be taken lightly!

The short route (50miles/80km and 4165 ft/1270m climbing) takes in the Norwood Edge and West End climbs en-route to Grassington, returning along the picturesque Wharfedale valley.

The medium route (83miles/134km and 6835 ft/2085m) continues on from Grassington, up Littondale to Halton Gill before heading south, and the notorious climb out of Settle and the Ribble valley, returning via Wharfedale.

The epic, long route (114miles/183km and 9,340/2850m!) is right up there with the hardest Etape du Tour route. It adds the infamous Fleet Moss on the way to Hawes and the misleadingly quaint-sounding Coal Road from Garsdale Head towards Dent. It is a route which your head and legs will remember for years to come.

The optional women-only start times are back for 2017!  Ride with friends, old and newly-made, in a non-intimidating environment.