The Tour of Wessex features a number of ride distances over the weekend to suit all levels of fitness and ability - from 10 miles all the way up to the ultimate test of 334 miles in three days.
The event HQ is based at Somerton, the Ancient Royal Capital of Wessex. Excellent facilities combined with easy access and the support of Somerton Town Council makes this the best place to cycle in the UK over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend.
The information contained in this manual will help to ensure that whichever event you have entered that your day(s) run smoothly and that you have a memorable experience for all the right reasons!
Event Overview
| Stage 1 - Somerset & Wiltshire | Standard Distance | Medium Distance | Breeze Ride | Breeze Ride | Breeze Ride |
| Distance | 107 miles (168 km) | 73 miles (116 km) | 20 miles (32 km) | 10 miles (16 km) | 10 miles (16 km) |
| Date | 25/05/2013 | 25/05/2013 | 25/05/2013 | 25/05/2013 | 25/05/2013 |
| Start Time | 08:30 | 08:30 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 12.00 |
| Start Location | Somerton | Somerton | Somerton | Somerton | Steet |
| Finish Location | Somerton | Somerton | Somerton | Street | Somerton |
| Ascent | 7,210ft (2,198 m) | 4,396 ft (1,340 m) | 983 ft (300 m) | 403 ft (123 m) | 513 ft 129 m) |
| | | | | | |
| Stage 2 - Somerset & Dorset | | | | | |
| Distance | 116 miles (185 km) | 83 miles (132 km) | | | |
| Date | 26/05/2013 | 26/05/2013 | | | |
| Start Time | 08:30 | 08:30 | | | |
| Start Location | Somerton | Somerton | | | |
| Finish Location | Somerton | Somerton | | | |
| Ascent | 7,398 ft (2,255 m) | 4,981 ft (1,518 m) | | | |
| | | | | | |
| Stage 3 - Somerset & Devon | | | | | |
| Distance | 112 miles (185 km) | 57 miles (91 km) | | | |
| Date | 27/05/2013 | 27/05/2013 | | | |
| Start Time | 08:30 | 08:30 | | | |
| Start Location | Somerton | Somerton | | | |
| Finish Location | Somerton | Somerton | | | |
| Ascent | 10,560 ft (3,219 m) | 3,435 ft (1,047 m) | | | |
| | | | | | |
| Total Distance | 335 miles (536 km) | 213 miles (340 km) | | | |
| Total Ascent | 25,168 ft (7,772 m) | 12,812 ft (3,906 m) | | | |
Registration
This takes place at the event HQ, Somerton Sports Club, Somerton Somerset,TA11 6HS. Registration will be open at the following times only:
| Friday | 16:00 to 19:00 |
| Saturday | 07:00 to 09:00 |
| Sunday | 07:00 to 09:00 |
| Monday | 07:00 to 09:00 |
Registration desks will be marked alphabetically, please go to the appropriate desk for your surname
If you wish to raise funds for charity whilst you participate in one or more of the events Rotary are the official Charity Partner to the Tour of Wessex.
If for some reason you are not able to register in person, you can arrange for someone to do this on your behalf. However they will need to have pre arranged this with us in writing in the form of a letter or email of authorization, including your name and address. At registration you will be given your rider pack, please note that nothing will be sent to you by post prior to the event. Your rider pack will contain the following:
Bike/Rider Number and Ties - You will be issued with two numbers. The first first is a small number board (10cm x 8 cm) This carries you timing transponder and must be secured to the handle bars of your bike with the cable ties. The second nuber is to pinned to the rear pocket of your jersey. Both these numbers provide you with access to the feed stations and entitlement to the event support.
Timing Chip - This will allow us to record your start and finish time for the event as well as on route split times. It is also used by the video camera system to record video footage of you en route. The number will come attached to he back of your numberboard. Please do not bend or cut it as this will damage the chip and will likely result in you not receive a time.
Route map - A large scale map to act as a rough guide and allow you to get back on track or find your way back to Somerton in the unliekly event you stray off course.
Ride guide - A check list of equipment you may require and essential information about the ride, including emergency numbers
Car Parking - Car parking is free. The car parks will be signed and have stewards, please follow their directions.
Start Times - 08:30 each day for the Standard and Medium routes. 10:00 & 12:00 for the Breeze ride.
Please ride slowly as you exit the event area and take particular care when in a group. Timing chips will not be activated until you cross the mats located the exit of Somerton Sports Ground, so there is no need to hurry through this potentially hazardous area. Please listen to the announcements and follow the instructions of the starting marshals.
Route Signage
- The standard distance routes are signed, with YELLOW and BLACK event signs. 107 mile (stage 1) 116 mile route (stage 2) and 112 mile route (stage 3).
- The Medium distance routes split are signed with RED and BLACK event signs. 73 mile (Stage 1), 83 mile (Stage 2) and 57 mile (stage 3)
- 10 &20 mile Breeze route is signed with BLUE and BLACK event signs.
Please pay attention to Highways road signs particularly those that indicate road hazards such as cattle grids; these can be very slippery in the wet. We have also added extra warning signs for sharp bends and steep descents. Please be careful on narrow section of road and descents, keeping a safe distance between yourself and the rider in front, especially in the wet.
Safety Points
You will be riding on the open road alongside other traffic so it is essential for your own safety and that of all other road users that you comply with ALL TRAFFIC REGULATIONS.
Please ensure you obey any instructions given by the route marshals and pay particular attention at traffic lights, roundabouts and difficult turns.
As we are providing back-up facilities we must insist that your supporters, friends and family do not bring any vehicles out on the route to follow you as this may create congestion and could be a danger to cyclists and other road users.
In the Event of an Accident - If you are involved in a serious accident requiring immediate medical attention then ring 999, then the above First Aid number, the route is being patrolled by National Escort Group riders. For minor injuries there are basic 1st Aid kits at each of the feed stations.
Assistance During the Ride - Should you require assistance please phone the event control numbers. We strongly recommend that you add these numbers to your mobile phone and keep with you at all times during the event.
There are cut-off times at which the marshals will stand down. The sweep vehicle will be travelling along the route at 20kmh/12.5 mph and will be collecting signage as it goes. If it catches up with you, you can either be transported to the finish or if you wish to continue on at your own pace you may but be aware these will be no signage. The finish closes at 6:00 pm each day. If you arrive after this time you will not receive a time or finishing place for that stage
N.B. If you decided to continue after the sweep vehicle has passed you, you will have to navigate your own route, and you will also no longer be covered by the event support services. If you do this, or drop-out at any other stage, then you must call the organizer to report this to the event team.
Riders Code of Conduct - You will be riding on public roads, so you must obey Highway Code regulations. Any rider seen not complying with the code could be reported and we are obliged to provide their details to the police.
Litter - There will be litter and recycling skips at the event HQ and at feed stations. Please use them and dont drop any litter it gives cyclists a bad name!
Ride Guide
Traffic Regulations: Although there will be traffic management at key stages of the event, plus support from police and local authorities in planning the event, the Tour of Wessex Cyclosportive does take place on public roads, so you need to follow Highway Code regulations just as you would on a regular ride. You should be confident that you can ride in the following road conditions:
- Busy urban main roads
- Town centre traffic
- De-restricted rural roads
- Narrow country lanes
- Complex roundabouts
- Riding in potentially large groups
Marshaling: The Tour of Wessex Cyclosportive will be marshaled and arrowed at key points along the route, to keep you safe and on track. Therefore, its in your interests to follow the instructions of all marshals and event officials. You should be aware that marshals are only in place to indicate the direction you should take, not to control other traffic.
Sportive, not Race: The Tour of Wessex Cyclosportive is a major non competitive event on the Cycling calendar. Whilst many experienced cyclosportive riders will be keen to record a quick time, the event is not a race.
What Bike?: When choosing a bike for the event, you need to take into account your ability to maintain the minimum average speed cut off of 20kmh (12.5mph) over the route distance. Therefore an efficient, comfortable and well maintained bike is essential.
What to bring?: Although the event will be supported by a mobile mechanical service, and feed stations en-route, we still recommend that you bring a multi tool, two spare tubes, tyre levers, a working pump and adequate hydration and food. You are strongly advised to bring a mobile phone and a small amount of cash in case of emergencies, enabling you to keep in touch with event organisers. In your registration pack you will find a foldable ride guide that will fit in your jersey pocket that you should keep with you for the duration of the ride, it contains key event emergency numbers.
What to wear?: All riders are advised that as this is a UCI sanctioned event it is therefore compulsory to wear a correctly fitting cycle helmet that conforms to current safety standards. Sorry, no helmet, no ride.
Also, as the event will take place on the public road, you are strongly advised to wear hi visibility clothing of some sort. Being that the event is held at the end of May, weather conditions can change rapidly! Therefore, we advise that you wear adequate layers, arm and leg warmers, gilet and a waterproof jacket. We recommend that you wear proper padded cycling shorts and a pair of cycling mitts, both of which will also add to your comfort levels on what will be a long day in the saddle for even the fittest of cyclosportive riders. It has been known to be sunny at that time of year, so make sure you protect yourself with a high factor sun block!
Dropping Out: If you decide to drop out of the ride for any reason, you must let the organizers know by calling the event contact number published on your ride guide so we can account for you and make arrangements for the return of your timing chip.
Medical Cover: First-aid cover will be provided by the Red Cross for the whole event. There will also be back-up and sweep vehicles operating throughout for those riders who require them. Should this be the case, please either report to the nearest marshal or call the event control on the numbers given in this pack. Please do not use this service or number inappropriately.
Mechanical Cover: There will be tools and basic mechanical assistance located at feed stations , you will be charged for parts but we will try to get you back on the road if at all possible.
Refreshments: Refreshments are provided as follows:
- Somerton Sports Club – Pre-booked breakfast will be available from 7:00 am each morning at the Sports Club. Other refreshments will be available to purchase all day Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 8:30 am there will be hot/cold drinks, food, cakes, snacks and sandwiches.
- En-route - There will be three feed stations en-route, approximately every 40 km (25 miles)
Toilets: These are provided at the start, finish, and at the feed station so there will be no need to attend to the call of nature in public! If you are seen urinating at the start, in any urban areas, at feed station or any other public place you will be removed from the event and your details passed to the police. You have been warned!
Showers: These will be sign posted and will be located at Somerton Sports Club.
What Happens After the Finish?:You will finish the event each day at Somerton Sports Club, once you have passed the finish line (at which point your finish time will be recorded) you are asked to clear the area to allow room for the next finishers. You will be directed through the finish site where you will collect you medal and you can now print your finishers certificate online availbale with your results. Your timing chip is diposable so you do not need to hand it back . However if you are riding more than one day please remember not to damage your chip which is located on the back of your number board.
Finish Times: - An alphabetical list of finishers and times will be posted on www.tourofwessex.com the day after the event.
Age categories will be as follows:
| Women | Men |
| A : 18 to 39 years | C : 18 to 29 years | F : 50 to 59 years |
| B : 40 years and over | D : 30 to 39 years | G : 60 years and over |
| | E : 40 to 49 years | H : Para-cycling |
| | | | |
Time bands will be as follows:
| 107 miles (170 km) Stage 1 | A | B | C | D | E | F | G & H |
| Tour of Wessex Gold
(Less than...) | 5 H 45 | 6H 15 | 5 H 15 | 5H 15 | 5 H 30 | 5 H 45 | 6 H 00 |
| Tour of Wessex Silver
(From... to ....) | 5 H 45
6 H 15 | 6 H 15
6 H 45 | 5 H 15
5 H 45 | 5 H 15
5 H 45 | 5 H 30
6 H 00 | 5 H 45
6 H 15 | 6 H 00
6 H 30 |
| Tour of Wessex Bronze
(Starting from...) | 6 H 15 | 6 H 45 | 5 H 45 | 5 H 45 | 6 H 00 | 6 H 15 | 6 H 30 |
| 73 miles (116 km) Stage 1 | A | B | C | D | E | F | G & H |
| Tour of Wessex Gold
(Less than...) | 4 H 15 | 4 H 45 | 4 H 00 | 4 H 00
| 4 H 15 | 4 H 30 | 4 H 45
|
| Tour of Wessex Silver
(From... to ....) | 4 H 15
4 H 45 | 4 H 45
5 H 15 | 4 H 00
4 H 15 | 4 H 00
4 H 15 | 4 H 15
4 H 30 | 4 H 30
4 H 45 | 4 H 45
5 H 00
|
| Tour of Wessex Bronze
(Starting from...) | 4 H 45 | 5 H 15 | 4 H 15
| 4 H 15 | 4 H 30 | 4 H 45 | 5 H 00
|
| 116 miles (185 km) Stage 2 | A | B | C | D | E | F | G & H |
| Tour of Wessex Gold
(Less than...) | 6 H 15 | 6 H 45 | 6 H 00 | 6 H 00 | 6 H 15 | 6 H 30 | 6 H 45
|
| Tour of Wessex Silver
(From... to ....) | 6 H 15
6 H 45 | 6 H 45
7 H 15 | 6 H 00
6 H 30 | 6 H 00
6 H 30 | 6 H 15
6 H 45 | 6 H 30
6 H 45
| 6 H 45
7 H 00
|
| Tour of Wessex Bronze
(Starting from...) | 6 H 45 | 7 H 15 | 6 H 30 | 6 H 30 | 6 H 30 | 6 H 45
| 7 H 00
|
| 83 miles (132 km) Stage 2 | A | B | C | D | E | F | G & H |
| Tour of Wessex Gold
(Less than...) | 4 H 45
| 5 H 15 | 4 H 30
| 4 H 30
| 4 H 45
| 5 H 00
| 5 H 15
|
| Tour of Wessex Silver
(From... to ....) | 4 H 45
5 H 15
| 5 H 15
5 H 45 | 4 H 30
4 H 45
| 4 H 30
4 H 45
| 4 H 45
5 H 00
| 5 H 00
5 H 15
| 5 H 15
5 H 30
|
| Tour of Wessex Bronze
(Starting from...) | 5 H 15
| 5 H 45 | 4 H 45
| 4 H 45
| 5 H 00 | 5 H 15
| 5 H 30
|
| 112 miles (180 km) Stage 3
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G & H |
| Tour of Wessex Gold
(Less than...) | 6 H 15 | 6 H 30
| 6 H 00 | 6 H 00 | 6 H 15 | 6 H 30 | 6 H 45
|
| Tour of Wessex Silver
(From... to ....) | 6 H 15
6 H 45 | 7 H 00
7 H 30
| 6 H 00
6 H 30 | 6 H 00
6 H 30 | 6 H 15
6 H 45 | 6 H 30
7 H 00 | 6 H 45
7 H 15
|
| Tour of Wessex Bronze
(Starting from...) | 6 H 45 | 7 H 30
| 6 H 30 | 6 H 30 | 6 H 45 | 7 H 00 | 7 H 15
|
| 57 miles (91 km) Stage 3
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G & H |
| Tour of Wessex Gold
(Less than...) | 3 H 15 | 3 H 30
| 3 H 00 | 3 H 00
| 3 H 15 | 3 H 30
| 3 H 45 |
| Tour of Wessex Silver
(From... to ....) | 3 H 15
3 H 45 | 3 H 30
4 H 00
| 3 H 00
3 H 15 | 3 H 00
3 H 15 | 3 H 15
3 H 30 | 3 H 30
3 H 45 | 3 H 45
4 H 00
|
| Tour of Wessex Bronze
(Starting from...) | 3 H 45 | 4 H 00
| 3 H 15
| 3 H 15 | 3 H 30 | 3 H 45 | 4 H 00
|
| 335 miles (536 km) Stages 1,2,3 | A | B | C | D | E | F | G & H |
| Tour of Wessex Gold
(Less than...) | 18 H 30
| 19 H 45 | 17 H 30
| 17 H 30 | 18 H 15 | 19 H 00 | 19 H 45 |
| Tour of Wessex Silver
(From... to ....) | 18 H 30
19 H 00 | 19 H 45
20 H 15 | 17 H 30
18 H 00 | 17 H 30
18 H 00 | 18 H 15
18 H 45 | 19 H 00
19 H 30 | 20 H 15
20 H 45 |
| Tour of Wessex Bronze
(Starting from...) | 19 H 00 | 20 H 15 | 18 H 00 | 18 H 00 | 18 H 45 | 19 H 30 | 20 H 45 |
| 213 miles (340 km) Stages 1,2,3 | A | B | C | D | E | F | G & H |
| Tour of Wessex Gold
(Less than...) | 12 H 30
| 13 H 45 | 11 H 30
| 11 H 30 | 12 H 15 | 12 H 45
| 13 H 45 |
| Tour of Wessex Silver
(From... to ....) | 12 H 30
13 H 00
| 13 H 45
14 H 15 | 11 H 30
12 H 00 | 11 H 30
12 H 00 | 12 H 15
12 H 45 | 12 H 45
13 H 15
| 13 H 45
14 H 15 |
| Tour of Wessex Bronze
(Starting from...) | 13 H 00
| 14 H 15 | 12 H 00 | 12 H 00 | 12 H 45 | 13 H 15
| 14 H 15
|
Event Website: www.tourofwessex.com
General Queries: Contact Pendragon Sports: info@pendragonsports.com or 01963 34125
Media Enquires: Contact Lex PR & Marketing. 077955 64211 / lex@LexPRnMarketing
Riders: If you have got a good media story for us and are happy to talk about it call us on 01963 34125
Accommodation in the Area: If you want to book a place at the official event campsite please contact Pendragon Sports directly or if you would like to arrange other accommodation please contact:
How to get to Somerton Sports Club
The Start/Finish and Registration are all located at Somerton Sports Club, Somerton, Somerset, TA11 6HS. Google Map Link.
Air
The closest international airports areBristol (38 miles), Heathrow (100 miles), Southhampton (60 miles), Exeter (60 miles).
- Drive time: Bristol to event - 40 mins, Heathrow to event 2 hrs.
- Train service: From Heathrow take airbus to Reading then a train to Castle Cary (Somerset). Or airbus to Woking and a train to Yeovil.
Sea
From St Malo, France to Poole, Dorset. 4hr 30 mins Condor Ferries
Road
- From central London (120 miles) 2hrs - 2 hr 30 mins. Take the M3 then the A303. At the Podimore roundabout take A372 direction Langport and Somerton. After 1.16 miles take right turn onto B3151 to Somerton. The HQ will be signed from Somerton.
- From the West take the A303, At the Podimore roundabout take A372 direction Langport and Somerton. After 1.16 miles take right turn onto B3151 to Somerton. The HQ will also be signed from Somerton.
- From Bristol take the M5 to Jct 23, then the A339direction Street and Glastonbury. At street take B3151 to Somerton. The HQ will be signed from Somerton.
Rail
- The nearest train stations are Castle Cary (10 miles), Yeovil (9 miles). Further information can be found at National Rail Enquiries.
Coaches
- From London (Hammersmith) to Ilchester (Berrys Coaches)
- From Bristol to Yeovil National Express
Photos & Video
You can access all of your media from the results page. Just type in your name and your personalised results, video and photo listing will appear.
Tour of Wessex Video + HD download: The Tour of Wessex is recorded by 12 cameras on route that are activated by your timing chip as you approach to record your personal 15 min film. The download also includes a highlight video of the event. Share your Tour of Wessex experince with your friends and family via Facebook and Twitter! Standard version is available to watch online or you may wish to purchase the the HD download for £14:99.
Tour of Wessex Photos: All images are taken on Nikon and Canon professional digital SLR cameras and are printed professionally by Photobox to the highest standard. Mounted orders are printed by Sim2000 and sent direct from sportivephoto.com.
Print prices are as follows:
- 7"x5" - £7,
- 9"x6" - £10,
- 12"x8" - £14, p&p (UK) £2
Discounts are applied to orders that contain two or more prints that are the same size.
Digital downloads (1800 x 1200 pixels) are cheaper the more you buy:
- One is £9.75
- Eight or more £4.50 (must be at the same time).
Full size high resolution digital files are supplied on CD:
- £10 per digital file,
- All your high resolution images from an event on CD is charged at £32.50.
All images are paid for on-line with credit or debit cards. All prices include VAT @ 20%