Devils Punch Sportive – 2018

The Devils Punch takes in the best of the North Downs and the surrounding area – including the Devil’s Punch Bowl, from which it takes its name - for some of the best hill-packed, fun riding in Hampshire and Surrey.A little shorter than most other rides to reflect the time of year, this could be the perfect wind-down for your legs as an end-of-season test.The start of the route is kind on the legs, giving you chance to warm up as you’ll head out of the Holybourne start point, near Alton. The gradient will lead you mostly downhill before facing the first small climb of the day, on the sheltered back roads near Ropley Dean – soon after which the first feed stop awaits to give you chance to recover.The course continues east, travelling through small villages such as Lower Farringdon, Sellborne and Blackmoor. Looping around the outskirts of Bordon, it’s soon time to take on the Devil’s Punch Bowl, which is where the true challenge of the day lies in wait. The scenery around the attraction is worth the effort – while it’ll test your legs on the short yet sharp climbs, the scenery is incredible.Few challenges will present themselves as dramatically as this, but there is still the matter of the amount of miles you’ll need to cover before crossing the finish line. A series of fast descents and steep climbs stand between you and a medal on a tough but very rewarding ride.