The Magnificent Seven
Blessed as we are by hills and cyclists, it’s a wonder that no one has come up with this idea before. Take seven (road) hills in Sheffield, sort out a route between each one and organise an escort for the riders to give them a hassle free route, then at the base of each hill unleash a mass start hill climb with points going to the top 10 riders. Then repeat another 6 times until you find the winner. Sort of an upside down roadie enduro with perhaps a little more suffering.
If that sounds like your thing (and why wouldn’t it) then the information to enter is below. It should also provide an entertaining spectacle for those less inclined to race. It would be great to support an event that is the first of its kind in the UK. Full details follow below
The Magnificent Seven is a unique cycling event, the first of its kind in Sheffield, taking place on Sunday 13 March 2016. One of the headline events of The Outdoor City Weekender, The Magnificent Seven is not just new to Sheffield but is being plugged as the first of its kind in the UK, and is expected to attract cyclists from far and wide, motivated by the challenge of Sheffield’s seven hills.
This is not for the fainthearted; a cross between a sportive, and a hill climb, 60 hardened cyclists will face seven of the toughest hills in Sheffield with climbs ranging from nine to 23 per cent. The route, which is just over 19 miles, presents each rider with over 3,200ft of climbing.
The top ten riders in each category (male and female) will be awarded points after each hill climb with the top three winning a prize. Taking in the dizzy heights of Sheffield, cyclists will ride with escorts between hills, where they will gather together at the bottom before racing to the top.
Stamina, endurance, a love of hills and cycling are essential attributes for Magnificent Seven competitors. Could you face Sheffield’s biggest cycling challenge? There are just 60 spaces available for this event. Register here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-magnificent-seven-registration-21725046198
Cllr Leigh Bramall, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Business, Skills, Development and Tourism said: “We are really excited to host the Magnificent Seven. This is the kind of event that people expect to see in The Outdoor City and with the support of Sheffield’s strong cycling community we are thrilled that it is a headline event at the first Weekender.”
Marc Etches, Secretary of Sheffrec, a Sheffield cycling club said: “An event like this hasn’t happened in the UK before. It’s very exciting to be able to offer cyclists the unique opportunity to be able to race up some of Sheffield’s iconic climbs on closed roads. What a way to showcase the outdoor landscape of our great city. It’s a challenging route and it will produce a very worthy winner! There will be lots of riders out there wanting to be crowned king or queen of Sheffield’s seven hills.”
The Outdoor City Weekender 11-13 March is a great opportunity for people to celebrate Sheffield’s unique proposition; the proximity between city culture, urban living, outdoor adventure and breath taking landscapes. Headline events include the Magnificent Seven; the first of its kind in the UK, this cycle event (part sportive, and part hill climb race) will see cyclists do battle with Sheffield’s notorious seven hills! The Climbing Works International Festival, sponsored by Rab is celebrating its tenth year and promises non-stop fun and action for participators and spectators alike visiting Sheffield that weekend. And as if that wasn’t enough, Sheffield’s annual adventure film festival ShAFF will be bringing the wild outdoors into the city for three days of jaw dropping spectacle and heart stopping adventure.
