Entries to the ballot for the Saddleback Fred Whitton Challenge 2018 have now opened for a limited time until 17:00 on Monday 15th January 2018. There will only be 2,000 places available from those who enter the ballot for what is expected to be a largely oversubscribed event.
The Fred Whitton is seen as one of the toughest sportives in Britain as its 180km (112 miles) route ascends 3950 metres and includes Hardknott and Wrynose Passes, with a 30% gradient climb after 157km (98 miles).
This will be the 19th edition of the sportive, which is now run by Human Race Events. Feed stations will be stocked with local produce and riders can expect support at the roadside.
Those wanting to enter the ballot for a chance to ride should visit: fredwhittonchallenge.co.uk/2018-entry
Human Race CEO Nick Rusling said of the event, 'We are amazed every year at the appetite for The Fred.
'Again, we have seen record numbers of charity entries this year for our local charities, which shows that the appetite is still growing.
'We look forward to showing off this new UNESCO World Heritage Site in all its glory.'
Organisers and locals encourage all rides to fundraise for Macmillan Cancer Care. From the previous 18 outings, The Fred Whitton Challenge has raised £1,138,000 for Macmillan and local charities.
The sportive is run in honour of its namesake, Fred Whitton who died aged 50 in 1998. He was a popular member of the Lakes Road Club and a key figure in the cycling community of Cumbria.