There are a few new sportives this year but this one ought to get some engines revving. (And when I say ‘engines’ I mean in the Cancellara-‘I-am-the-engine’ sort of way. Although this has nothing to do with Fabs.) In fact, it has all to do with Tim’s mancrush, Mark Cavendish. 

Sign up for the Rise Above Sportive and you could be riding with the Manx Missile along one of three courses on the 9th of August, all starting and finishing on cobbles (yes, cobbles) in Chester city centre.

The three courses are: 75km Enthusiast; 120km Purist with 1,720m of climbing; and the 185km Extremist, with 2,800m of climbing.

And you know what? There isn’t an outrageous entry fee! From 1 March, the entry fee is £35; if you register from now until midnight on 28 February, you get an early bird 10% discount. What are you waiting for?

(And once you’ve gone and done it, let us know about it!)