The Tour de Northamptonshire – Cyclosportive
The cycle king and hawk cycles
tour de northamptonshire
Cyclosportive
The ‘Tour of the Villages’ X (30 mile), ‘Reservoirs & Aerodromes’ XL (40 mile) and XXL (60 mile) sportive is an event suitable for all abilities and takes cyclists through picturesque Northamptonshire villages and countryside, following quiet lanes with a few cheeky hills thrown in!
A well-stocked feed station for all distances at Great Cransley Village Hall will be providing a selection of tea, coffee, homemade cakes, and an opportunity to top up water bottles to get you on your way to the finish, where a medal awaits! There is an additional feed station at Sywell Village Hall for the XL and XXL where you can top up water bottles and grab a snack. The event has mechanical support.
course description
The Tour De Northamptonshire is a three distance circular event starting and finishing at Naseby Village Hall just outside of Northampton in a wonderful central location only 5 minutes from Junction 2 A14.
The Tour of the Villages X (30 mile) route begins with a long descent past Cottesbrooke Hall & Gardens, before the climb into Brixworth, continuing the undulating course through the villages of Walgrave, Broughton and Thorpe Malsor, before the gradual climb back to Naseby passing by Harrington Air Base War Memorial and Kelmarsh Hall.
or PDF map
Reservoirs & Aerodromes XL (40 mile) route also begins with a short descent out of Naseby before climbing up to Cold Ashby. You will then ride past Hollowell reservoir, cross Ravensthorpe Reservoir before continuing along the undulating route into Brixworth and the welcome descent to Pitsford Reservoir causeway. Heading into picturesque Sywell village you will pass the Aerodrome before reaching the first aid station at 18 miles. Heading back out close to Sywell Reservoir you continue through stunning countryside and villages to the next feed station at Great Cransley Village Hall (28 miles). The final push back to Naseby will take you past Cransley Reservoir, Harrington Aerodrome and War Memorial, and Kelmarsh Hall.
or PDF map
Reservoirs & Aerodromes XXL (60 mile) route follows the XL route to Cold Ashby but stretches out to Yelvertoft and West Haddon before heading back to Hollowell and Ravensthorpe Reservoirs. Crossing the causeway of Pitsford reservoir you will head to picturesque Sywell Village, past the aerodrome to the first feed station (26 miles). The route then takes in a loop around Sywell Reservoir before heading up to Broughton village via Orlingbury. You will then reach the final feed station at Great Cransley (39 miles). Heading out to Thorpe Malsor past Cransley Reservoir, onwards to Harrington Aerodrome and the War Memorial, the 60 mile route continues to Braybrooke close to the River Jordan, before heading back south to Arthingworth, Kelmarsh and into Naseby to the finish.
or PDF map
Please note: final versions of the routes will be available 2 weeks prior to the event in case of diversions required due to road works etc.
course marking
The routes will be marked electronically – you will have the free ridewithgps app. In partnership with OS Maps you have the opportunity to print a map:
Registration
Registration opens at 07.30 and will be inside the Village Hall. You will receive two race numbers – one to attach to your bike helmet and the other to the handlebars of your bike. Please make sure that both numbers are always clearly visible.
Start Time
Registration will open at 07.30. Riders should not arrive more than 30 minutes before their route start time. This is to prevent queues forming at registration and toilet facilities. There will be a rolling start with groups of around 15 riders setting off at 5-minute intervals.
Reservoirs & Aerodromes XXL (60 mile) route start time: 08.00-08.45
Reservoirs & Aerodromes XL (40 miles) route start time: 08.30-09.15
Tour of the Villages (30 mile) route start time: 09.00-09.30.
aid station
There are two feed stations – Sywell Village Hall and Great Cransley Village Hall.
Great Cransley is available on all three routes and will provide water, tea, coffee, homemade cakes, sweet and savoury snacks. Toilet facilities will be available.
The feed station at Sywell Village Hall is accessible to riders on the XL (40 mile) and XXL (60 mile) routes. There will be the opportunity refill water bottles, with sweet and savoury snacks available.
AGE LIMIT
Minimum age for the event is 14 years old for the 30 mile route and 16 years old for the 40 and 60 mile routes.
PARKING
There is lots of free parking at Naseby Village hall.
cut off
The cut off time for the event is 14.30, by which time all riders should have crossed the finish line. Any riders on the XXL (60) route that do not feel confident about finishing within the cut off time may change to the XL (40 mile) route at any of the course splits – please inform us if you change route when you reach the finish line. Any riders on the XXL (60 mile) that have not reached Sywell Village feed station by 11.15am will be asked to continue the ride on the XL (40 mile) route. This is to ensure that all riders have safely completed the course within the cut-off time.
CHARITY ENTRIES
Headphones
Headphones are not permitted for safety reasons. It is permissible to wear a single ear bud/wireless headphone to hear the voice navigation cues.
Toilets
There are toilets at the start and finish in Naseby Village Hall and at Great Cransley Village Hall.
What to wear
Mandatory Kit
Bike (well maintained)
Helmet (must meet minimum BSEN1078 safety standards)
Bright top or Hi Viz
At least one refillable water bottle with minimum 500ml capacity
Spare inner tube, tyre levers and pump
Mobile phone for navigation (free app provided)/ emergencies
Weather appropriate clothing
Working Red rear light
Recommended Kit
First Aid Kit
Additional basic tools
Working front light
Additional snacks if required for dietary needs
Cash/card for treats on the route
Emergency numbers
The following mobile numbers should be added to your mobile phone:
Course Director 07989 850170
Should you encounter a life-threatening medical emergency at the event you should call 999 in the first instance and inform the Race Director at the earliest opportunity.
If you or a fellow competitor requires first aid in order to continue, then call the Sweeper number and inform the Race Director at the earliest opportunity.
If you need to fix a puncture or undertake any repair of your bike without the need of assistance, then please make sure that you move to a safe place away from the side of the road. Should you require mechanical assistance, move away from the side of the road, call the Mechanical Support number, give location, and turn your bike upside down so that the mechanic can clearly identify who needs help.
It is very important that you know your exact location as this will prevent any unnecessary delays to the medical/emergency services. It will also help the mechanic to locate you quickly. It is recommended that you have access to a phone app such as What3Words or a Route Map (such as Google Maps). Please ensure that you know how to use the App prior to the event.
Finishers Medals
All finishers will receive a medal .
OS Maps
The routes are covered by OS Map 223/224.
Event Day Instructions
Please click here for the race day instructions (2024)
Please click here for the YouTube video event briefing
Where: Naseby Village Hall, Haselbech Road, Naseby, NN6 6DE Northants.
Parking
There is plenty of parking in the village hall grounds.
Map
When
8th June 2025
Registration from 7:30am, first riders out from 8am (60 mile route)
Entry Fee
30 mile – £30
40 mile – £40
60 mile – £45
Entries close on Friday 6th June at 8am – there will be entries on the day (cash only) with the following entry fees:
30 mile – £35
40 mile – £45
60 mile -£50
RIDE FOR A CHARITY
