The original South Downs sportive, the Southern is becoming something of a classic, and both it's course and organisation live up to that billing.

The route was the first to take advantage of this stunning corner of the South Downs, and has been widely praised by riders and press alike for both it's beauty and flowing ride characteristics. We describe it as a true riders course, and you generally seem to agree.

Rolling out of the little market town of Petersfield, the route gives you just a few miles warm up before turning you up the first of three ascents of the Downs from the north. Buriton Hill is the shortest of these, but steep enough to sting. From here, you will wind your way eastwards in a sweeping zig-zag that brings you to the loftier challenges of Harting Hill and Duncton Hill respectively.

Beyond Duncton Hill, the course turns westward to track the ridge from the south and head you back towards the finish. There's still a lot of riding to do, with climbs over Goodwood to tackle before you descend to Rowlands Castle, the lowest point of the course, practically at sea level. The biggest unbroken climbs of the day are behind you, but now you face the ascent from the lowest to highest points of the route with just a couple of brief respites to catch your breath.

Your reward at the top is the scalp of old Winchester Hill, one of the finest views in the south of England and the chance to lose most of the height you've just gained in no time at all. You have just one more assault of the hill to face; a punishing but pretty climb to the old HMS Mercury training base that will test what's left in your legs, before you can wind your way down through the lovely Meon Valley and cruise back into Petersfield, where your hard earned finishers tea, cake and t shirt await.