The day of the 2015 Chiltern 100 Sportive began with a little more rain than we would’ve liked but it didn’t seem to dampen the spirits of the riders rolling up to the start line!

There were two routes on offer for Chiltern 100 cyclists – riders could choose between 76 or 110 miles of challenging hills and beautiful scenery. Billed as the toughest sportive close to the capital, this is not a ride to be trifled with. Founded by Verulam CC and taken under the wing of the Human Race Sportive Series in 2014, the event grows in popularity every year and has become iconic in the cycling world. Thanks once again to Verulam for their continued hard work in delivering this great event.

Amidst the odd shower of rain (it’s only water eh?) keen cyclists began to fill the event village from 6am, many heading for the alluring smell of coffee and porridge wafting from the Oatopia van. Cycle Tech were on hand for any last minute mechanical adjustments, and there was even a breakfast BBQ for those who fancied a pre-ride bacon roll.

The first wave of Gran Fondo riders rolled up to the start line at 7am to get their safety briefing and head off into the Chilterns, closely followed by theMedio Fondo riders. Out on the course they would encounter 3 feed stations, all stocked with tasty treats and Zipvit Sport energy products.

Many riders were taking on the 22 hill Chiltern challenge in aid of official charity Prostate Cancer UK, and we thank you for your fundraising efforts. The money you raise is vital and goes towards helping us to win the fight against prostate cancer. The charity were on site to welcome their riders with some very fetching bunting and balloons, brightening up Bovingdon Airfield nicely!

As the riders arrived back in the event village, victorious but tired, there was plenty to reward them for their efforts. After they collected a beautiful medal, water and a copy of Sportif magazine, Oatopia were on hand to provide nutritious and yummy flapjacks and coffee (the cyclist’s favourite). There was also a gourmet BBQ providing possibly the best post-ride food we’ve ever experienced (and we’ve seen a pretty wide variety!), from Moroccan lamb wraps to pulled pork buns. Riders could also collect a free sample of Spatone liquid iron supplement, and if you haven’t heard about how Spatone can boost your training, make sure you take a look at their website to find out more.

A special guest in the event village was Sky Cycling, who brought the bikes on which both Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome won their respective Tour de France titles, plus the latest team kit, signed by Team Sky themselves. Unsurprisingly the bikes attracted some big crowds – seeing such impressive pieces of kit up close is a special experience.

If you cycled in the Chiltern 100 Sportive yesterday, don’t forget to check out the Map My Tracks segments for the climbs and check out where you stand on the leaderboard. Think you were the King of Ivinghoe Beacon? Simply upload your ride data to Map My tracks and check out your position on the segments here.

Human Race thoroughly enjoyed putting on the Chiltern 100 Sportive for a second year and are already looking forward to next year’s edition. Tell us what you thought of the event by filling in our short questionnaire here – we are always looking for feedback and ways to make the event experience even better for our cyclists.

Our next event is the Wiggle Dragon Ride and the 3 day Dragon Tour in South Wales – hope to see you there or at another event soon!