Five of the UK’s most esteemed and popular sportives will welcome entries for 2016 from Thursday 8 October.

The Human Race Sportive Series that features big hitters such as L’Etape London by le Tour de France, Chiltern 100 and Dragon Ride, will for the first time all be available from the same day, allowing riders to plan their perfect year and take advantage of multi-event packages.

Extensive research conducted by Human Race Events shows that each sportive rider will take part in over five organised events per year on average. Human Race have acknowledged that this can lead to a big outlay for cyclists and to help them add a number of premier rides to their 2016 calendar a selection of new multi-event packages will be available. These packages will ensure riders get fantastic value with the opportunity to save up to £42.

Included in the Human Race Sportive Series from launch will be:

• Lionheart – Sunday 17 April
• Chiltern 100 – Sunday 15 May
• Dragon Ride – Sunday 5 June
• London Cycle Sportive – Sunday 26 June
• L’Etape London by le Tour de France – Sunday 25 September

In addition the first 300 riders who sign up for one of the Human Race Sportive Series Multi-Event Packages will be given priority entry into the 2016 Maserati Tour de Yorkshire Ride. The inaugural event earlier this year sold out in hours, with demand expected to exceed availability again when entries go on sale. The Maserati Tour de Yorkshire Ride takes place on the same weekend as the pro ride and shares much of the same route.

The series will allow riders to take on a huge range of iconic climbs, spectacular routes and professional experiences. These include famous climbs such as Devil’s Elbow and Black Mountain on the Dragon Ride, the chance to speed round the Herne Hill Velodrome and the road track at the Lee Valley Velodrome, and test yourself on 21 hills during the Chiltern 100.

Lionheart is the perfect way to kick-start the sportive season with it’s beautiful but challenging routes around stunning Wiltshire. After starting at Longleat Safari Park, riders will have the opportunity pass Lions and other wild animals before heading out on an exceptional route of 100km or 100m miles. In just 4 years this ride has established itself as a firm favourite with cyclists, helped by its famous cheese and wine feed station halfway through, and is now also now the official preparation ride of the Dragon Ride.

The Chiltern 100 is the toughest sportive close to the capital, famously packing a leg-busting 21 hills into the 177km Gran Fondo with 2,700m of climbing. The event is based at the historic Bovingdon Airfield and organised in partnership with local experts Verulam Cycling Club, the original creators.

Dragon Ride, the UK’s most prestigious sportive, returns to breath fire into cyclists 2016 plans on 5th June. Riders will pick one of four fantastic routes and take on famous climbs such as Devil’s Elbow, Black Mountain and Rhigos. The mammoth Dragon Devil distance (305km) is attempted by some hardy souls, but the Gran Fondo (230km) and Medio Fondo (153km) remain the choice of most. Brand new for 2016 is the Macmillan 100, a new 100km route that takes in a couple of the signature climbs, perfect for those attempting to slay the beast for the first time.

The London Cycle Sportive is a firm favourite of the Human Race Sportive calendar, and finishes with a timed lap of the newly refurbished 1948 Olympic Velodrome at Herne Hill. Three distances are on offer which give riders of all abilities the opportunity to take part, with the medium and long routes heading up the now legendary Box Hill. Perfectly located for sportive riders based in the Capital, as it’s only 20 minutes from London Victoria.

Organised alongside ASO, L’Etape London by le Tour de France brings the glamour of the world’s most famous cycling event to the capital. The route takes in much of Stage Three of the 2014 Tour de France route and culminates spectacularly with a lap of honour around the Lee Valley VeloPark at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, home of the London 2012 Games. After selling out in 2015 it is sure to be popular again in 2016.

Places in all events will be available on a first come, first served basis exclusively through www.humanrace.co.uk/cycling. Don’t miss the chance to secure your place in a number of the UK’s most prestigious sportives.