Preview: Chiltern Hundred...

The Chiltern Hundred Gran Fondo is an uncompromising road romp across 171km (107 miles) of the toughest and most picturesque terrain in the Chilterns with 2,620 metres of ascent. From Great Missenden the route runs north east through Chesham, Berkhamstead, to Dunstable Downs before heading south west along the Chilterns scarp slope, with the biggest and steepest hills.

The ride amply captures the essence of the Chilterns with fantastic 'Red Kite country', superb scenery, and demanding hills that will be a robust challenge for any club rider. The Gran Fondo route was inspired by and takes in all of the best climbs of the Chiltern Spring Series reliabilty rides and there are plenty of extra climbs thrown in for good measure. By European standards the hills are not big but have demanding gradients of up to 21%.

Don't think that the ride will be easy – the experience from the 2006 pilot was that the frequent climbs are tough, strength and energy sapping and ideal preparation for other sportives. Good pace judgement will be your only friend. Consider yourself warned. To be clear, the Gran Fondo is targeted at the good club rider. Many of the descents are thrilling, full on, and a couple are technical. The nature of the Chilterns means that there are junctions at the bottom of these descents so care and excellent braking are required.