The ORRO Tour of Sussex stage race, currently in its fifth year, is delighted to announce the 2017 route map.
Three Sixty Sport are excited to be working with ORRO bikes on this year’s event, and will be starting in their home village of Ditchling.
Stage 1 – Ditchling Beacon Individual Time Trial – 6th July 19:00
The 80 riders will be tackling one of the most famous ascents in the UK - Ditchling Beacon, and with thanks to Lewes District Council, will be racing on a closed road.
With the individual time trial deciding the initial race leader (to be awarded the coveted yellow jersey), this will be hard fought. Starting from the edge of Ditchling Village and finishing at the top of the Beacon, Stage One will test the legs of even the hardiest rider. The question is, will many break the magic ‘4 minute barrier’ for the actual climb?
This will be one of the best stages for the spectators, as each rider will make their way alone to the summit, suffering all the way in their quest for yellow.
Stage 2 – Goodwood Team Time Trial – 7th July a.m 10:00
Stage Two sees the ORRO Tour of Sussex visit a landmark of West Sussex; Goodwood Motor Circuit - home of the Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival.
Starting at Goodwood Motor Circuit, Stage Two will follow a route past the Goodwood Sculpture Park and Goodwood Racecourse; finishing just short of the motor circuit gates. This stage is a team time trial, pitching the teams against each other in a short, intense battle. The Yellow Jersey will need his team to take him all the way to a fast time, to retain his lead of the race. To win a team time trial takes practice - lots of practice - as the team’s time will be taken on the third rider to cross the line!
Stage 3 – Goodwood Motor Circuit Road Race – 7th July p.m. 17:30
Stage Three of the ORRO Tour of Sussex revisits the motor circuit, racing in the wheel tracks of the famous Giuseppe Saronni, who was once crowned World Professional Road Race Champion here in 1982. In second place, was none other than multiple Tour de France winner, Greg Lemond.
This stage will be fast, with time bonuses and points available throughout. Will the Yellow Jersey survive the high speed onslaught?
Uniquely, this stage offers the chance for any British Cycling Race Licence holder to race part of the Tour of Sussex route - on Goodwood Motor Circuit, from 7.30pm until 9.00pm. (Enter here: www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/158018/Tour-of-Sussex-Support-Event)
Stage 4 – Ladies Mile Road Race – 8th July – 10:00
Stage Four will be visiting Winnie the Pooh country, Ashdown Forest. With a route that is far from fluffy and friendly, this will see the riders tackling a short, but very tough circuit - known locally as ‘Ladies Mile’.
By this point of the ORRO Tour of Sussex, our peloton will be starting to tire, with some riders starting to feel the pinch of many high-intensity efforts in their legs (and thinking about how attractive a nice cold beer would be!). The battle for the overall win will really start here, with more time bonuses and a tough ascent to the finish; won last year by Tom Easley in fine fashion.
Stage 5 – Beachy Head Road Race – 9th July – 10:00
Stage Five will be the Queen stage of the ORRO Tour of Sussex; held on one of the toughest courses in the country, Beachy Head. With the beautiful backdrop of the South Downs National Park, and starting by the sea in the sunshine capital of the UK, Eastbourne, our riders will face their toughest test yet.
Climbing out of Eastbourne, the race will be blown apart from the gun. With the yellow jersey hopefuls pushing on, leaving tired and worn out riders in their wake. Just to get through the first two miles of this stage is an achievement in itself.
Racing onto the open headland and into the elements, this route is never easy. Hot sun is cruel and difficult, and it turns very bleak if the weather closes in. Speeding through Birling Gap and onto the main climb, our protagonists will need to focus as they climb back up to Beachy Head for the first of many laps.
Our yellow jersey wearer will need to cover every move, watch every pretender and work very hard to keep the shirt on his back. Ultimately, this stage could decide the winner of the 2017 ORRO Tour of Sussex, and we look forward to an exciting event.
Come along and watch, cheer our competitors on and see the yellow, green and polka dot jerseys go by.
Join us at the Landsdowne Hotel for the final presentations on Sunday 9th July.
With thanks to our sponsors –
ORRO Bikes
2017 ORRO Tour of Sussex Partners –
Milltag
Velopace
Browns Bikes
Euro Self Drive – Logistics Partner
Goodwood Motor Circuit
Lewes District Council
Eastbourne Council