Piccolofondo – 83km 19 May

Piccolofondo start time is 9.30am

Due to the Mediofondo route being 106km this year, we have taken note that not everyone wants to ride over 100km so we have introduced a shorter Piccolofondo route of 83 km.

The Piccolofondo route is ideal for cyclists who have not tried a sportive event before or who are not confident of their ability to ride over 100 km on fairly hilly terrain. It should not be taken that the Piccolofondo route is easy – it is definitely a challenge, with around 1200m of climbing to tackle – but should be within the abilities of anyone who has done some training.

For those who have to quit the ride, a “broom wagon” will collect you from the roadside if necessary.

The Piccolofondo route will follow the same roads as the Granfondo and Mediofondo until you reach Monmouth. (See details)

We recommend that you carry two spare inner tubes, tyre levers, pump and a puncture repair kit. It is not uncommon for riders to suffer punctures during sportive events. Ideally you should also carry a lightweight folding multi tool, available through any good cycle store.

Although feed stations en route will be well stocked with energy drinks, water and food, please consider taking energy gels or food of your own and at least one water bottle on your bike.

NEW! If you feel that 83km is too much for you, we have a new, 58km “Minifondo” route where you still get the testing climb up to Devauden and the excellent descent back to Chepstow but you don’t need to ride all the way to Monmouth and back. Register for the Piccolofondo and see how you feel on the day. See details below…

Minifondo Route

What’s included?

Piccolofondo riders will have the following included in the entry fee:

Electronic Timing for your ride
Fully marked route
Fully stocked feed station
GPS download of route available
After ride food
Free cider

View Map

Enter Ride

Rider List

Route Details

The ride starts at Marlwood School, Alveston, near Bristol. The ride will start at 9.30am.

If you use the What 3 Words app, the location is: supposing.hogs.verb

Marlwood School is ideally situated in a quiet, rural area with instant access to the route that all riders will take to reach the Severn Bridge at Aust.

After leaving the school, you will join the B4661 which you ride for 5km until you reach the Severn Bridge.

After crossing the Severn Bridge the route will take you through Bulwark on a suburban road until you reach the T junction at the end of the road. You need to cross the road here and take the turning left into Steep Street, heading towards Chepstow Town Centre.

You will pass through the arch at the top of town and follow the road down past Chepstow Castle before crossing the River Wye. After you cross the bridge you will climb up to Tutshill and then ride through the Forest of Dean to Coleford on the scenic roads around the top of the Wye Valley before descending to Monmouth where you will find the feed station.

You will leave the Granfondo and Mediofondo routes immediately after the feed station in Monmouth when you turn towards Trellech. From Trellech you will continue along the ridge above the Wye Valley to join the Granfondo and Mediofondo routes just before Devauden.

Once you are in Devauden, you will descend back to Chepstow and cross the Severn Bridge on the opposite side to the outward journey and then head through Tockington, up Haw Lane to Alveston and return to the school.

Hot food and cold cider await your return!

You will have ridden 83km and climbed 1237m.

If you chose to take the Minifondo route, you will have ridden 58km and climbed 861m

83km

DISTANCE

1

FEED STOP

Monmouth – 44km

1237m

ASCENT

Safety

If all riders follow some basic safety guidelines we can all expect an enjoyable day!

All riders must conform to the laws of the road. This means keeping to the left, allowing vehicles to pass and not riding more than two abreast unless it is safe to do so and you are not holding up traffic.

There are a few sets of traffic lights on the Piccolofondo route, plus a couple of pedestrian controlled crossings with lights and riders must obey the lights. Marshals will be in attendance around the route and any rider found riding through a red traffic light will be disqualified and no time will be given for the ride. Also, all riders will have numbers displayed on their bikes and the Police will take action against anyone riding illegally if caught.

All riders are required to wear a helmet.

All Black Rat signs will be black with an orange arrow indicating the direction you should ride. You will see yellow / red SLOW! signs in some places around the course. Please ensure that you take notice of these – they are there for your own safety!

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