Rise Above - Mark Cavendish's Official Sportive

Sign-up to ride with 25-time Tour de France stage winner Mark Cavendish, who launched his official Rise Above Sportive. The inaugural edition will take place on the 9 August 2015, starting and finishing on the cobbles in the heart of Chester and taking in the best of North Wales in between

Speaking about the new event, the former World and British Champion said: "I'm very excited to launch the inaugural Rise Above Sportive. We first discussed the idea 18 months ago and have been going through the planning process ever since. I've pushed everyone involved to deliver an event that will provide the participants with a real premium rider experience. Our plan is to eventually have a fully closed road event so it was key for me to have some closed road sections in the inaugural one."

Cavendish continued: "I'm super happy that Cheshire West and Chester Council have kindly agreed to close some cobbled streets in and out of the city centre. The parcour we've chosen for all three routes will be really special and testing for any level of rider. Longer term, I have a vision to grow the Rise Above Sportive to a two-day cycling festival in the years to come. I hope to see you there after the Tour de France."

The Rise Above Sportive will feature scenic forest roads, breath-taking views, iconic Welsh landscapes, challenging climbs and inspiring countryside before culminating on the closed roads of Chester city centre.
 
All three sportive routes will start and finish in the heart of the historic Roman city of Chester, with riders heading along the closed cobbled roads beneath the famous Eastgate clock and then out across the River Dee into the beautiful countryside of North Wales with Snowdonia as the backdrop.
 
Three separate, circular routes will allow the Rise Above Sportive to appeal to a wide range of abilities of cyclist, from the 65-kilometre Enthusiast route, to a 120-kilometre Purist route - with 1,720-metres of ascent - and the 185-kilometre Extremist route with 2,800-metres of ascent.
 
Both the Purist and Extremist routes feature the iconic climb of Horseshoe Pass, with the longer distance also including the quiet roads and stunning scenery around Llyn Brenig and Clocaenog Forest.

Right to Play and Help for Heroes will be the two Official Charity Partners for the Rise Above Sportive. Cavendish has personally supported both charities for a number of years and is delighted to have them involved in his inaugural Official Sportive. 

Event Website http://www.riseabovesportive.com/ HQ/Start Address Address Line 1 Chester Address Line 2 Chester Town Chester County Cheshire Postcode Chester		Event Facilities Adequate Car Parking Facilities Changing Rooms Showers Food & Drink (Pre/Post Event) Sign-on at HQ Support for Participants Route card with emergency contact details SAG wagon following laster rider(s) Organiser Details Name riseabovesportive Email County Cheshire