What is a sportive? Why should you do one? What do you need to know?

With a packed calendar in the UK and abroad and some events selling out within minutes of entries going live, you may think the sportives, or gran fondos as they’re known in Italy and the States, have been an established part of cycling for years. However, it might surprise you to know that the first sportive was actually in 1982.

• Why should I do one?
• Do I need a special bike or kit?
• How do I train for a sportive?

If these are all questions you’re looking for answers to, check out British Cycling’s Beginners Guide to Sportives for some detailed insights.

Human Race welcome thousands of beginners to sportives every year – visit the Cycling homepage to find out more about our events.