Cycle~MK Sportive - A view from the inside

The fine weather brought out the fair-weather cyclists, and at least 83 entered on the line, for the Cycle~MK Sportive, sending an estimated 350 riders circumnavigating Milton Keynes.

Many thanks to all the marshalls, all the helpers and the organising committee for running such a fine event (hopefully I'm not too biased!).

Sportive riders are always super keen and seem to love turning up early (they should take up time trialling if they really like the early starts).

According to reports the queue stretched from the carpark but everyone was quickly processed - signed on, provided with a timing chip, number and map.  The on-the-day entries were swiftly relieved of their cash.

Clive repeatedly read out the all important safety briefing.

Ceri ensured that everyone's chip bleeped when they departed over the mats and the riders quickly cleared, leaving some lonely late starters.

But they caught up with other riders as they rode across Woburn Park.

The feed at Cranfield University Campus came up after 31 miles.

It was a bit of a slog into the wind to get to the next feed at Silverstone.

Silverstone was a particularly civilised feed, just missing the napkins and the silver cutlery.

The variety of food on offer was excellent, and included the option of tea or coffee.

After 100+ miles riders returned to the Bowl and received their medals (everyone's a winner) and goody bag.  Here are two happy TMK finishers proudly displaying their engraved CYCLE MK SPORTIVE 2010 medal.