On 7th June riders will cross the start-line of the first NPSCC Tour of the South East, embarking on a 180 mile multi-stage sportive supported by motorcycle outriders, domestiques, soigneurs, mechanics, first aiders and team cars. 

The ride will see seeded groups of cyclists of all abilities snake their way through the beautiful South East countryside on a route put together by experienced event director, James Kemp. The ride is punctuated by the timed climbs of Olympic road race highlight, Box Hill - a testing 2.5km ascent with an average gradient of 5%, and Kidds Hill (aka The Wall) which, although shorter at 1.5km, has a tough average of 7.8%. It promises to be a tough yet spectacular route that will take riders through several picture-postcard landscapes. 

The event offers much more than just a sportive experience, with the opportunity to tailor your ride, with optional racing at the end of day two at Cyclopark, Kent giving riders the opportunity to test their racing skills or just complete the challenge of the course whilst raising as much as possible for the NSPCC. 

There'll be a spectacular Yellow Jersey Dinner on the Saturday night with a delicious menu plus auction, presentations and a special guest speaker. This year, event partners include British Cycling, Ride2Raise, Ginger & French, Just Pedal, Hüma gels, Scimitar Sports, FBR Taxis and Dorking Car & Van Hire. 

There are several new developments for the NSPCC Tour of the South East event including an official nutrition suppliers and a sports massage partner. 

9bar has become official energy bar sponsor for both the NSPCC Tour of the South East (7-8 June) and the NSPCC Tour of Yorkshire (19-20 July), supplying sweet and savoury 9bar energy bars as well as their nutritious flapjacks. 9bar nutrition expert, Liz Tucker said: "We are really pleased to be partners of the NSPCC Tour of England series and to be aligned with such a great cause and a great cycling challenge too. We look forward to seeing all those taking part on the start in June." 

The other development for the NSPCC Tour of the South East is the new partnership with Physio&Therapy UK, the country's leading provider of specialist event therapies. Physio&Therapy UK have supported the ITU at the British Championships and the London World Championships, and will be providing quality pre- and post-event massages, as well as Physiotherapy and Kinesiology taping methods. 

Organiser, Richard King of Ride2Raise said: "We are delighted to have these new event partners on board and it adds to the comprehensive experience we are offering riders. The products that 9bar provide for the riders are perfect to keep everyone fuelled, and having the sports massage support before and after each day's riding will keep the cyclists fit and on the road for both days of the event. There is still time to get signed up so make sure you do so soon." 

The NSPCC Tour of the South East training ride has moved to Saturday 3rd May allowing recent entrants the opportunity to meet other riders and gain valuable experience riding in a bunch. For more information on training rides and coaching visit: www.tourofengland.co.uk.

There are still places available, but less than a week to go until the closing date of Friday 9th May. To sign up visit: www.sientries.co.uk.