PLEASE NOTE: The following information is relevant for the Giant’s Causeway Coast Sportive 2020 and may change for 2021’s event.
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.
Participant registration dates and times will be published closer to 2021’s event date. 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.
Car Parking
2020’s HQ and official car park for the event is at Páirc MacUílín on Whitepark Road. As mentioned above, this may change for 2021’s event.
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
The following feed station locations are correct for 2020’s event but may change for 2021.
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 21 miles / 34 km in
- Feed Station 2 (St. Mary’s Parish Centre, Cushendall) – approx 57 miles / 92 km in (approx 22 miles / 35 km in for the medium route)
- Feed Station 3 (Seaview Primary School) – approx 88 miles / 142 km in (approx 53 miles / 85 km in for the medium route)
- Feed Station 4 (Sea Front Car Park in Cushendun) – approx 102 miles / 164 km in (approx 67 miles / 108 km 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.
Event Massage
We’ll confirm who will be in attendance to provide some top quality massages for those tired muscles soon.
