Why do people flock to Sportives but not to Audax?

[Fab Foodie]

Simple enough question ... Sportives are growing like topsy and a fairly expensive. Audax is cheap, and social with a strong community but doesn't seem to attract growth at anything like the same rate.
Why is this?

 

[derrick]

Advertising, see adverts for sportives every where, don't see to many Audax advertised. i could be wrong.

 

[RiflemanSmith]

What's the difference?

 

[Ian193]

Could it be that Audax rides have time limits and Sportives dont i must admit I've only done one Audax ride and that was 20+ years ago

 

[middleagecyclist]

Image.

 

[jim55]

i think its defo the advertising ,you kinda have to ask about them unless ur in the know ,its a bit of unknown to most people ,

 

[Rob3rt]

Despite the mix of people you get on Sportives, it is quite clear that many Sportives are sold to those that like the idea of racing but won't/can't/don't actually race. They are quite the event for those who want to complete an event and tell their non-cyclist friends what they did and rejoice in the admiration of the ignorant who think anything over a couple of miles is madness!

Could it be that Audax rides have time limits and Sportives dont i must admit I've only done one Audax ride and that was 20+ years ago

The audax time limits are hardly exclusive though (15-30 kph, i.e. crawling - steady tempo pace).

I don't much like either format's, but I would pick an Audax over a Sportive any day.

 

[gavintc]

Sportive, you follow signs. Audax, you follow (at times-cryptic) instructions. Sportives cost more, but you do get some freebies.

 

[DRHysted]

It is advertising in my opinion.
I have attended 3 sportives this year, and known off many others. I have heard about 1 Audax.

 

[Svendo]

Here you go.

 

[middleagecyclist]

It is advertising in my opinion.
I have attended 3 sportives this year, and known off many others. I have heard about 1 Audax.

Here you go then. No need to miss any that take your fancy now. Happy to help.

[EDIT] Damn. Too slow. Must type less!

 

[Svendo]

Here you go then. No need to miss any that take your fancy now. Happy to help.

[EDIT] Damn. Too slow. Must type less!

Great minds think alike and fools seldom differ

 

[albion]

Called the sheep effect.

We all need to be managed so if someone stumps up money down the chain, the wheels get well oiled.

 

[middleagecyclist]

Called the sheep effect.

Ewe could be right.

 

[middleagecyclist]

Called the sheep effect.

Perhaps some don't mind being fleeced?