A new 69-mile sportive has been announced for later this year. What makes this one very different from all the rest, however, is that it stars one of the true legends of international cycling - Francesco Moser.

The Moser Sportive GB will take place on 20th September 2015 with the multiple Paris-Roubaix winner and former Hour Record holder joining the participants on the scenic Essex roads.

The event has been organised by Southend’s Vic Haines, himself a former Time Trial specialist, who says: “I’ve known Francesco for many, many years and we’re great friends. He and his family organise their own sportive in Trento, where they live and it attracts thousands of passionate fans who take part just for the chance to say that they have ridden alongside the great Moser.”

He continued: “Given the astonishing rise and popularity of mass-participation rides here in the UK, I thought it would be great to have one in my home county and Francesco was only too happy to help.”

The height of Moser’s career spanned the 70’s and 80’s, when the Italian began to beat the acknowledged hard men of the sport, including the Belgian super stars Eddy Merckx and Roger De Vlaeminck, and Dutch ace Hennie Kuiper.

Turning professional in 1973, Moser quickly established himself as one of the top riders and within just two seasons he was claiming major victories. His huge list of triumphs went on to include the 1984 Giro D’Italia, the 1977 World Road Race title and six wins in cycling’s ‘monuments’ - the most prestigious one-day classics - including three consecutive victories in Paris-Roubaix, two wins in the Tour of Lombardy at one victory at Milan-San Remo.

Looking ahead to his trip to the leafy lanes of Essex, Moser said: “I think it will be a lot of fun. I have very happy memories of racing in England back in the 1980s, when I took part in some rounds of the Kellogg’s City Centre Cycling Series.”

Moser continued: “I also raced against Tony Doyle at the velodrome in Leicester but this will be my first experience of the Essex roads. However, I hear the countryside is quite flat which, as followers of career will know, is ideal as mountains such as those in the Tour de France really do not suit me!”

The route starts in Shoeburyness, Southend on Sea and heads out to Little Baddow, taking in the challenging 1.6km climb of North Hill in Danbury. From there it arcs back to the starting point, going via Battlesbridge and Rochford.

“I wanted a fun ride that will appeal to the serious club cyclists and people who enjoy riding for fun as part of a large group. The route offers something for everyone along the way, with the rolling nature of the terrain testing the legs of even the most experienced and keen riders. But for fans who appreciate the history of cycling, it will be the chance to say ‘I rode with Moser’ that adds real magic to the experience,” explains Vic.

Photographers from SportivePhoto will be positioned along the entire course, to make sure every rider has the chance to order professional images that capture their participation in this fantastic event.

Entries for the Moser Sportive GB are open now.  For more information and to register, visit www.mosersportivegb.co.uk and keep up to date with the event on Twitter and Facebook.