Event: 18 May 2014
With an explosion of events appearing on the sportive calendar in the east, the organisers of Boudicca Sportive aren’t about to rest on their laurels in 2014. With two successful years already in the bag, the challenge is to keep Boudicca looking fresh in a market where it is being joined and jostled by new kids on the block.
So, what’s the plan for this year’s event?
Well, the format and the routes remain largely the same – the shortest option has grown up a little to 40 miles but the two longer routes of 70 and 100 miles remain largely unchanged. A few minor changes to improve the location and service around the feed stations but staying true to the original routes which weave their way from the heart of Breckland up toward the north Norfolk coast. Revealing rather more in the way of rolling countryside and cheeky climbs along the way than most expect in what is supposed to be a flat county!
Electronic timing has been scrapped this year and the entry fees reduced accordingly. Boudicca would rather you looked over the hedges and enjoyed the view than rush through the countryside in pursuit of a speedy time. But for those wishing to crack on and finish with a respectable average speed there are some substantial sections on the homeward leg which allow those with something left in their legs to pick up the average over the last third of the longer routes.
The nutrition strategy will be the same as previous years, with Torq providing free energy drink at event headquarters and the intermediate feed stations. Free gels and bars are part of the rider package and Torq will be on site all day to give advice on nutrition and offer product samples and sales. In addition to the high tech nutrition, the feed stations will have the events signature biscuit – the fig roll – and last year’s favourite salty snack – the mini cheddar.
Full signage, GPS files, mechanical assistance, first aid cover and rider pick up are all part of the package and the café at event headquarters will be serving a variety of food so everyone can enjoy a subsidised re-fuel at the end of their ride.
Taking on board feedback from riders, Boudicca is making changes to the event village and the start/finish area to improve the overall feel of the event and inject a bit more pizzazz to proceedings!
One thing that won’t change however is Boudicca’s focus on quality and the personal touch. We have made a lot of friends over the past two years by adopting an open, welcoming approach to event delivery. This is the reason why rider numbers are capped at 600 for 2014 – if we get too big Boudicca may lose her charm as a friendly, accessible event – and that’s one battle the Warrior Queen does not want to lose!
If you can’t join us on the Boudicca Sportive then have a look at our new venture for 2014; The Cozens-Hardy Cycle Ride on 20 July, based at Blickling Hall, near Aylsham, Norfolk.
