Just how competitive are sportives ?

[Doyleyburger]

I got my first ever sportif on Sunday and to be honest I'm not sure what to expect. .....
Are they generally competitive or just a good excuse for cyclists to get together for a spin ?

Although not a huge course, I would like advice on how to approach the 45 miler ahead of me....

 

[cosmicbike]

At your own pace would be best. Not done one myself, but I would imagine you get the full mix of flat out how faster's right down to the family pedal..

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

The idea is complete, not compete.

 

[ianrauk]

They are as competitive as you want it to be. Sportives are not races.

 

[MikeW-71]

The best piece of advice I ever heard for long rides is: Ride at your own pace, not someone elses.

You may well come across some riders who are travelling at about your pace and decide to stick together, but on two of the three I've done, I ended up all on my own in the no-mans-land between the Club riders and the pootlers.

 

[Donger]

The best piece of advice I ever heard for long rides is: Ride at your own pace, not someone elses.

You may well come across some riders who are travelling at about your pace and decide to stick together, but on two of the three I've done, I ended up all on my own in the no-mans-land between the Club riders and the pootlers.

So what exactly is the difefrence between a "sportive" and an "audax"? I've now done a few audaxes, but was labouring under the impression that sportives were, well, er...sportier?

 

[MikeG]

The difference? The sportives cost you an arm and a leg, and may (or may not) have marshalls. The Audax will just give you a route sheet and let you get on with it.

 

[ianrauk]

So what exactly is the difefrence between a "sportive" and an "audax"? I've now done a few audaxes, but was labouring under the impression that sportives were, well, er...sportier?

Sportive
£££'s
Pretending to race
Number on your bike
Timing chips
Gels/Banana/high5 tab
Little direction arrows

Audax
£'s
Pretending not to race
no number
no published times
baked potatoes/bacon sarnies/cake/biscuits/tea
Route mape

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

Here you go... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclosportive

 

[Flying Dodo]

Having done a number of sportives before I saw the light, I'd say at least half of riders are very competitive and treat them like a race.

 

[MikeW-71]

Indeed, I did a few, then did a social ride with some CC members. That was the best days cycling I'd ever had, so this year I've only entered 2 Sportives and they are reasonably local. I have far more social rides planned

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Having done a number of sportives before I saw the light, I'd say at least half of riders are very competitive and treat them like a race.

Or perhaps they were just riding faster? Which is a big no-no of course, how dare anyone?

 

[screenman]

You are only allowed to ride pure carbon in sportives and of course Rapha kit, anything else will give you a DNS. As for speed, anything below 24mph average and you will be back after the grub has gone.

Have a good ride, tuck in behind the people who are just slightly quicker than you usually ride, do not get into oxygen debt in the first couple of miles or you will suffer later.

Now the chances of anyone taking notice of the oxygen bit on their first sportive is I know remote, but do not say I did not tell you.

 

[Doyleyburger]

I would like to challenge myself on this I think, as I generally ride with friends at an easy, leisurely pace taking plenty of stops along the way. My way of thinking is that this will give me a chance to test myself at a slightly quicker pace than usual, but at the same time I know it's important not to burn myself out too quickly.
Thanks guys, just wanted to know a bit more on what to expect

 

[rb58]

I've done a few sportives. But not for a couple of years. Much prefer social rides with my mates and a decent cafe stop these days , instead of looning round the lanes gulping gels and pretending I'm in the TdF.

But I do understand the appeal for the more competitive types.