HISTORY OF CYCLOSPORTIVES IN THE
UK
The first Cyclosportive in the UK was the 'Fred Whitton Memorial' held in 1999.
Since then many events modelled on the Fred Whitton have developed, and 'standards' have evolved.
Sportives have been held in Europe for many years, these events are mass participation races with fields of 10,000 +
The 'Etape du Tour' is a prime example.
In the UK such events are not feasible, because of the cycling culture which exists.
Road Safety is high on the 'agenda' of the IACO.
The basic standards expected are listed below:-
- Quality Organisation
- Event Insurance
- Compulsory Crash hats
- Timing
- On Line Entry
- The number of participants are only acceptable if the organisers can arrange a course, and infrastructure to cope with those numbers.
- Non-Competitive
- No Massed Start
- Manageable number of participants
- Routes sign posted
- Feed Stations
- Friendly social atmosphere
- Enjoyment for riders, friends, and helpers
The IACO has been formed to advise on standards and provide guidelines for cyclosportive organisers and promote best practice.
We are an independent association, which aims to raise standards, and promote the best of the UK events.
IACO's main aims and objectives:
1 - Create events that are challenging
2 - Establish a 'league' of events in due course
3 - Ensure events are run to a consistent standard of facilities and organisation
4 - Raise the standards of organisation whilst retaining the fun element and genuine friendliness of all events in the IACO Series, and organised by members.
5 - Promote road safety and respect for the environment