ROUTE
Probably one of the hardest sportives in the World; limited availability.
There are two routes; 95K long with 2500m of climbing, or the full-fat 195K, with 5000m of climbing. You will cycle up Tour de France HC and Cat 1 climbs and ride on near-deserted roads that are as brutal as they are beautiful.
1st Loop – Small Event – AXAT – GESSE – ROUZE – MIJANES – PORT DE PAILHERES – LA FAJOLLE – MERIAL – JOUCOU – MARSA – AXAT
2nd Loop – Large Event – AXAT – STE.COLOMBE – COL DE JAU – MOSSET – MOLITG LES BAINS – COL DE ROQUE JALERE – SOURNIA – LE VIVIER – CAUDIES DE FENOUILLEDES – AXAT
RESULTS
Congratulations to all who took part in the F8 2017 Sportive. It was a tough challenge although the weather conditions this year were near perfect.
The time of 8hrs 06m 09 sec by Tim Toke Dam Pedersen is incredible but our hats go off to anyone that can complete this enormous challenge. Thanks to all who rode and helped to make this a fantastic day. We look forward to seeing you next year.
95k Results
| 1 | POUL GROTH JENSEN | 3.58.16 | |
| 2 | TIM TOKE DAM PEDERSEN | 3.58.22 | |
| KEVIN BYERS | 3.58.22 | ||
| 4 | KNUD JUUL JENSEN | 4.01.25 | |
| COLIN DONAGHY | 4.01.25 | ||
| MARTYN STIRK | 4.01.25 | ||
| 5 | DARYN CUMMINGS | 4.04.00 | |
| 6 | MAT SHAYLOR | 4.05.50 | |
| 7 | DAVID MARTIMORT | 4.11.53 | |
| 8 | NEIL PALMER | 4.14.29 | |
| 9 | BENT SKOV | 4.28.19 | |
| 10 | LEO SCHELTINGA | 4.31.19 | |
| 11 | ANDREW WELTON | 4.33.30 | |
| 12 | STUART LEE MARTIN | 4.38.21 | |
| 13 | PAUL SCULLION | 5.01.38 | |
| 14 | EINAR KROGLUND | 5.13.22 | |
| 15 | JOSE COLLADOS | 5.24.23 | |
| 16 | MATT HOLISTER | 5.37.16 | |
| 17 | DEWI ARFEW JONES | 5.38.18 | |
| 18 | JEAN LOUIS LABADIE | 5.54.49 | |
| 19 | IAN LOMAS | 6.15.20 | |
| 20 | SIAN DAVIES | 7.03.48 | |
| SIONED KENDELL | 7.03.48 | ||
| 21 | JUSTIN KENDELL | 7.16.58 | |
| DAVE MOORES | 7.17.00 | ||
| 22 | GREG PHILPOTT | 7.18.30 | |
| 23 | SAM CROOKS | 7.24.25 | |
| 24 | NIC BUDD | 7.24.59 | |
| 25 | CELIA COHEN | 7.28.04 | |
| JAMES KING | DNS | ||
| MARK STARIHA | DNS | ||
| HUW JONES | DNS | ||
| LILIAN GORDO | DNF |
195k Results
| 1 | TIM TOKE DAM PEDERSEN | 8.06.09 | |
| 2 | POUL GROTH JENSEN | 8.17.28 | |
| 3 | KEVIN BYERS | 8.30.25 | |
| KNUD JUUL JENSEN | 8.30.25 | ||
| 5 | COLIN DONAGHY | 8.55.07 | |
| MARTYN STIRK | 8.55.07 | ||
| 7 | DARYN CUMMINGS | 9.02.07 | |
| 8 | DAVID MARTIMORT | 9.07.09 | |
| 9 | NEIL PALMER | 9.25.53 | |
| 10 | MAT SHAYLOR | 9.33.09 | |
| 11 | LEO SCHELTINGA | 9.46.05 | |
| 12 | BENT SKOV | 10.00.14 | |
| 13 | STUART LEE MARTIN | 11.13.40 | |
| JAMES KING | DNS | ||
| MARK STARIHA | DNS | ||
| SIAN DAVIES | DNF | ||
| SIONED KENDELL | DNF |
WHERE TO STAY
The historically famous cities of Carcassonne & Perpignan are 1 hour – 60km from the start. The towns of Limoux, Quillan, Estagel, Couiza are nearer still and of course Axat also has a small number of auberges and other accommodation. For tourist information click here.
WHAT DO YOU GET?
Both races start and finish in the picturesque village of Axat and the race features the famous Tour de France climbs, Port de Pailheres and Col de Jau. Stunning scenery is in abundance on every kilometre. The two distances feature the following:
95K: Two feed stations on route, lunch in Axat, goody bag.
195K: Four feed stations on route, lunch in Axat, goody bag.
All finishers will receive an exclusive F8 T-shirt.
Following broom wagon.
HOW TO GET THERE
Airports: Carcassonne, Perpignan, Toulouse, Girona, Barcelona,
Beziers & Montpellier.
Trains: Perpignan, Carcassonne, Quillan.
Ferry: Dover – Calais Portsmouth – Le Havre
WHAT DO YOU NEED?
Your Bike: Correct gearing for HC climbs, minimum one spare inner tube, puncture repair kit and a set of lights for the main 195K route
Your Needs: Weather can change rapidly in the mountains; Windproof/waterproof jacket & crash helmet
REGISTRATION
Registration opens on 02.01.18
MEDICAL
You will need a current cycle racing licence or a letter from your doctor stating you are fit for cycle competition. This is law in France.
This certificate must be dated within one year of the event and it must mention ‘Cycle Competition’.
You also need to bring your signed T&C’s and Withdrawal Policy.
Terms & Conditions
Routes will be signposted with arrows and you will be provided with a laminated route map however participants should familiarise themselves with the course. Those entering the 195K route need to have front and rear lights. Medical certificate / Racing License is needed by all participants. F8 is open to all participants of both sexes over 18 years of age. You need to have a valid medical certificate or a federation racing licence. Respect of the French Rules of the Road applies. F8 is a non competitive leisure ride on asphalt roads. The route is open to traffic and therefore all Rules of the Roads apply. All cyclists must carry a puncture repair kit and other essential tools for small repairs during the ride. Cancellation of the Event: Should the event be cancelled for reasons of force majeure, the amount paid to the organisation will not be refunded. Riding the Figure of Hate Sportive: Each participant acknowledges that he/she has read, approved and therefore accepted all terms and conditions and regulations. Guarantees correct behaviour before, during and after the event. Declares good physical health and has undergone a medicinal examination for this leisure cycling event. Consents to the use of his/her provided date, grants the organisers full use as permitted by law, including for profit all video footage, photographs, etc taken during the event. The organisation and its partners accept no responsibility for accidents or damage to persons or property that may occur before, during or after the event or as a result thereof. Moreover, the organisation serves the right to exclude from the event any cyclists who are guilty of misconduct before, during and after the event. The organisation do not supply insurance of any description and recommend that each participant has health and travel insurance if you are from outside France. The F8 Sportive is run by ARB promotions in conjunction with ARB Cycling Club. It is a non profit making organisation, all profits are donated to a designated charity, and 2017 will be World Bicycle Relief. Withdrawal Policy 2017: there will be no refund for cancellations or withdrawals, but you can ask for your entry to be kept for one year.
