Probably one of the hardest sportives in the World; 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.
First Loop AXAT – GESSE – ROUZE – MIJANES – PORT DE PAILHERES – LA FAJOLLE – MERIAL – JOUCOU – MARSA – AXAT
Second Loop AXAT – STE.COLOMBE – COL DE JAU – MOSSET – MOLITG LES BAINS – COL DE ROQUE JALERE – SOURNIA – LE VIVIER – CAUDIES DE FENOUILLEDES – AXAT
TIMES
Here are the timings for the 2019 F8 Challenge
Everyone that finishes the Figure of Hate should call themselves a hero.
95k
| No. | Name | 95K Time |
|---|---|---|
| 152 | GREG PHILPOTT | 7.35.06 |
| 154 | JAMES COUSINS | 4.52.08 |
| 155 | IAN BELL | 4.52.07 |
| 157 | WIM TIMMERMANS | DNF |
| 158 | HELEN THOMAS | 5.20.28 |
| 159 | IAN LOMAS | 5.41.07 |
| 160 | ANDREW CORFE | 4.46.02 |
| 161 | OLENA ABROMOVA | 4.40.44 |
| 162 | RUBEN SANTERVAS | 4.40.45 |
| 163 | SARAH THOMAS | 5.26.28 |
| 164 | TOM GRADY | 4.40.07 |
| 166 | JUSTIN GREEN | 4.47.11 |
| 167 | JAY LAZAR | 4.52.09 |
| 168 | KRISTOPHER AUER | 4.52.06 |
| 169 | AMBER AUER | 4.52.07 |
| 172 | NICK SMITH | 4.41.02 |
| 173 | STEVE WOOD | 3.50.50 |
| 174 | STU BOWERS | 3.50.53 |
| 176 | RICK AUSTIN | 5.20.48 |
| 177 | MARY MCGOVERN AUSTIN | 5.20.48 |
| 178 | BRETT HARRISON | 4.52.10 |
| 179 | COLIN FLAHIVE | 6.44.53 |
| 180 | FREDERIC FOURNAISE | 4.20.11 |
| 181 | LEO SCHELTINGA | 4.11.14 |
| 182 | SIAN DAVIES | 5.20.43 |
| 183 | JO UNDERWOOD | 3.50.55 |
| 184 | MARTIN THORLEY | 4.00.35 |
| 185 | HENRY GASKIN | 4.52.11 |
| 189 | POUL GROTH JENSEN | 4.04.40 |
| 190 | JUSTIN KENDELL | 6.42.34 |
| 192 | JO STEWART | 4.45.19 |
| 193 | GREG BALL | 3.47.00 |
| 194 | STUART HEADE | 3.50.52 |
| 197 | JOHN BLASQUEZ | 4.51.39 |
| 198 | PASCAL BELLICANO | 3.47.04 |
| 200 | MATT HOLISTER | 6.37.31 |
| 201 | STEPH HOLISTER | 6.37.31 |
195k
| No. | Name | 195K Time |
|---|---|---|
| 158 | HELEN THOMAS | 13.10.20 |
| 160 | ANDREW CORFE | 10.39.29 |
| 161 | OLENA ABROMOVA | 10.06.35 |
| 162 | RUBEN SANTERVAS | 10.06.36 |
| 163 | SARAH THOMAS | 13.10.20 |
| 164 | TOM GRADY | 9.53.36 |
| 166 | JUSTIN GREEN | 10.58.42 |
| 171 | DAVE MOORES | 13.10.20 |
| 174 | STU BOWERS | 8.07.05 |
| 183 | JO UNDERWOOD | 8.34.16 |
| 189 | POUL GROTH JENSEN | 9.01.39 |
| 194 | STUART HEADE | 8.54.08 |
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 routes start and finish in the picturesque village of Axat and the routes 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 entrants will receive a Goody Bag.
The full 2019 album can be found here.
HOW TO GET HERE
Airports: Carcassonne, Perpignan, Toulouse, Girona, Barcelona,
Beziers & Montpellier.
Trains: Perpignan & Carcassonne.
Ferry: Dover – Calais Portsmouth – Le Havre
WHAT DO YOU NEED?
Your Bike: Correct gearing for HC climbs, minimum one spare inner tube and a puncture repair kit. All riders need to have lights for the main 195K route
Your Needs: Weather can change rapidly in the mountains;
Windproof/waterproof jacket & crash helmet
REGISTRATION
Registration for 2021 is TBC
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 2021 will be World Bicycle Relief. Withdrawal Policy 2021: there will be no refund for cancellations or withdrawals, but you can ask for your entry to be kept for one year.
