On the day information for the Giant's Causeway Coast Sportive.

Registration & Start Times

It is necessary for all event participants to register before the start of the event where participants will be issued with their timing chip and rider number. There will be important welcome and safety briefings for all participants that will cover safety, the latest weather forecast, logistical considerations and other general important information.

Participants will be able to register on:

Friday 21st June 2019 from 5pm to 8pm at Event HQ, Páirc Mac Uílín GAA Pitch, Ballycastle
OR
Saturday 22nd June 2019 at Event HQ during the times listed in the table below. A map of the Event HQ location can be viewed HERE. For those who are being guided by GPS, the postcode for this area is BT54 6HA.

Please Note: Nothing is sent to you in the post before the event, everything you require to take part in the event is issued at registration.

The start location for each route is located at Event HQ (Main entrance of Pairc Mac Uílín GAA Club). There will be live music and toilets on site for the event.

Car Parking

This year’s HQ and official car park for the event is at Páirc MacUílín on Whitepark Road.

Changing Facilities and Showers

Changing and shower facilities will be available for participants at Event HQ from 6am.

Equipment

MANDATORY KIT

If you do not have the mandatory kit you will NOT be allowed to participate.

Road Bike – make sure it is is good working order (participants completing the 35 mile route may use a mountain bike or a hybrid touring bike)
Helmet
Water bottle

RECOMMENDED KIT

Please see below for a list of recommended kit:

Mobile phone
Puncture repair kit
Emergency money & ID
Energy snacks
Waterproof/Windproof top
Cycling gloves
Hat or Buff
Small first aid kit

Participants must be aware that weather conditions in this area of the Coastline and Glens can change and deteriorate rapidly and therefore should bring appropriate clothing to keep them warm in any adverse weather.

It is also advisable that participants undertake a training programme in the months leading up to this event to ensure the day is as memorable as possible.

Remember to check the following equipment before the event:

Brakes
Cables – Brake and Gear cables
Tyres
Chain
Gears
Bars – Ensure they are straight and tight
Water bottle cage
Saddle

In summary PLEASE make sure your bike is in perfect working order before arriving at this event.

Timing Systems

We will be using a timing system for this event. All participants will receive a timing chip upon registration which will be attached to their bike number and will record their event time. As this is NOT a competitive event, finish times will be compiled alphabetically and posted on the event website after the event.

Course Marking / Signs

The signage on the route will be in the form of rectangle signs with arrows printed on them secured to signposts along the route.

Feed stations

As with all such cycling events, it is important for the health and safety of the riders (due to the calorie expenditure) to provide feed stations at strategic points along the route. Please find the location of the four feed stations marked below where participants can receive water, energy drinks & gels and basic foods. Toilets are available at all feed stations.

Feed Station 1 (Ballinlea Parochial Hall) – approx 21miles / 34km in
Feed Station 2 (St. Mary’s Parish Centre, Cushendall) – approx 57miles / 92km in (approx 22miles / 35km in for the medium route)
Feed Station 3 (Glenarm Estate) – approx 88miles / 142km in (approx 53miles / 85km in for the medium route)
Feed Station 4 (Sea Front Car Park in Cushendun) – approx 102miles / 164km in (approx 67miles / 108km in for the medium route)

Finish Line Food

At the finish line, after receiving your goody bag, all participants will also receive a bowl of hot chicken pasta (a vegetarian option will also be available) and tea/coffee and diluting juice.

Staff/Volunteers/Marshals

All volunteers, staff and marshals involved in the event will be clearly identifiable in high vis vests. Marshals in high vis vests will be placed along the route but they do not have the authority to stop motorists, they are there for your safety and other road users.

Health and Safety

Event organisers will strive to keep the event as safe as possible by providing:

Ambulances should anyone require medical assistance it will be administered in the fastest possible timeframe
The local PSNI will also be informed that the event is taking place and two Police Officers will be on site on the day of the event
Electronic chipping for all event participants will ensure that event directors can check for any non-finishers or for participants in trouble
A sweep vehicle will be in operation at the end of each of the three routes to check for any participants in trouble
Pre-event communication to event participants will clearly highlight the route and areas where roads may be busy
All participants will be given detailed route instructions and emergency contact numbers

Bike Mechanics

Mechanical support will be available at Event HQ as well as a roving mechanic to support any participants with difficulties with their bike. Please note that this is only for major mechanical problems – the mechanic will not be on hand to fix minor mechanical problems.

Spectators

Family and friends are more than welcome to come along to this event to show support for people they know. The familiar voice of someone you know can make all the difference when the legs are burning, the throat is dry and there are still a few miles left to go! Supporters also add an atmosphere and additional energy to the experience for all the other participants and the crew. We will help advise spectators as to where the best locations are along the route to cheer participants on.

Please Note: It is asked that spectators follow the recommendations of the organisers and avoid areas that are difficult to get to or that have limited parking in order to prevent bottle necks and congestion.

Event Photography

There will be an official event photographer and they will take photographs on the day of participants. The official photographer will once again be Industryimage. These will be made available for purchase after the event on their website.