The Magnificent Seven cycle race will have a new base when it returns to Sheffield for the third time on Sunday 11 March.
The event will start and finish in Bradfield – a picturesque Peak District village which sits within the Sheffield boundary just seven miles outside of the city centre – to allow more entries and more space for parking.
The race is one of four headline events of The Outdoor City Weekender, running at locations across Sheffield from 9 to 11 March 2018.
A cross between a sportive and a hill climb, the Magnificent Seven will see 130 cyclists – that’s 30 more than last year – battle up seven of Sheffield’s toughest ascents. The 2018 route, which is slightly more than 26 miles long, presents each rider with over 4,200ft of climbing and inclines ranging from 9 to 23 per cent.
The race begins at 8.30am and takes in Mill Lee Road and Hoar Stones Road, Hagg Hill, Blake Street, Fern Road and Thrush Street, Birch House Avenue and Birks Wood Drive, Back Lane, and the infamous Cote de Bradfield.
This final climb challenged the world-class Tour de France riders at the Yorkshire Grand Depart in 2014 and provides spectacular views over Sheffield from its summit.
Event organiser Marc Etches said: “We are really pleased to be part of The Outdoor City Weekender and are looking forward to showcasing our great city once more with the Magnificent Seven.
“Last year’s event was superb and we’re increasing the entries from 100 to 130 for 2018 to meet demand.
“The event is unique in the UK and gives the competitors the opportunity to race up traffic-free closed roads, for which we thank Sheffield City Council.
“Professional riders are usually the only ones who get to ride on closed roads so this is a great selling point for the event, as evidenced by the veteran’s category selling out on the first day, which was amazing.
“We are really looking forward to seeing the support from local residents, especially the crowds on Hagg Hill, Blake Street and the Thrush Street cobbles. This support is fantastic for the event and much appreciated by organisers and riders alike.”
Councillor Mazher Iqbal, cabinet member for business and investment at Sheffield City Council, said: “We encourage everybody to come out and cheer on the cyclists as they tackle our famous Sheffield hills.
“We know from the thousands of local people who have lined the streets in recent years to watch the Tour de France Grand Depart, the Tour de Yorkshire and previous Magnificent Sevens that Sheffield people have great enthusiasm for cycling races. We’re sure this year will be no different.
“And anyone who watches The Outdoor City Weekender and is inspired to take part in similar activities can find everything they need to know at www.theoutdoorcity.co.uk.
“There is so much outdoor adventure to be had in Sheffield – let’s make the most of what’s on our doorstep.”
