There are three phrases I've seen used to describe Leisure Rides – and they're sometimes used interchangeably, as far as I can make out, the definitions are as follows (thanks to Wikipedia):
Sportive - A cyclosportive, or often simply sportive, is a short to long distance, organised, mass-participation cycling event, typically held annually. A cyclosportive falls between a traditional cycle road race and the more challenging non-competitive randonnée or Audax events. The routes will usually be well sign-posted and/or marshalled (some cyclosportives take place on roads which have been closed to motor traffic for the duration of the event), riders will be able to use feeding stations positioned at intervals along the route to replenish their food and drink supplies and mechanical and medical support may also be provided.
Randonnée - Randonneuring (also known as Audax in the UK, Australia and Brazil) is a long-distance cycling sport with its origins in audax cycling. In randonneuring, riders attempt courses of 200 km or more, passing through predetermined "controls" (checkpoints) every few tens of kilometres. Riders aim to complete the course within specified time limits, and receive equal recognition regardless of their finishing order.
Audax - Audax is a cycling sport in which participants attempt to cycle long distances within a pre-defined time limit. Audax is a non-competitive sport: success in an event is measured by its completion.
So now you know – I can't figure out the distinction in the context of their use in Ireland between a Randonnee and a Sportive, so will use Sportive as a generic word for a short to long distance, organised, mass-participation cycling event, typically held annually.
Audax is a separate beast, typically long and self supported. In recent years Orwell has had a very visible profile in the audax world. Club member Louise Nicholls penned the following piece which I think gives an excellent feel and appreciation for what is involved in this area of the sport . The Audax Ireland website is a good place to get information and if interested in finding other members who participate please post on the forum or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will put you in touch with the right people.
We have pulled together a fairly detailed guide to specific Sportives (.xls), based on my own and other Orwell riders' experience. And to encourage you to participate in many and to target one or two that will challenge you over the summer we have launched the Orwell Leisure Rider of the Year competition. I'd love to see a strong Orwell presence at as many sportives as possible. While participation is the key, don't be mistaken and think they don't have anything to offer the more competitive rider, I'm still pretty pleased with my top ten Strava finish on the SKT tour this year.
Most offer a choice of distance from c. 50km to 200km – and each presents challenges to different riders. It would be my hope though that everyone who wanted to would be able to complete a 100k comfortably by the start of the summer.
Each Sportive gets its own flavour from the club and people organising it and given the growth in Leisure cycling in Ireland the overall standard is now pretty good.
The best run is of course the Orwell Randonnée, however to cycle it is not for everyone, it is 140 tough hilly kilometres and comes quite early in the season. We also need volunteers to run it!
After that within Leinster, the more well known include the Tour de Foothills and the Wicklow 100 and 200 which usually sell out before the start date so early booking is advised. I have a particular grá for some of the smaller ones such as Mick Byrne and Joe Loughman run out of Sorrento and Bray respectively.
Further afield in Ireland, the An Post Series (Cork, Sligo, Burren, Meath) are usually very well run and the Sean Kelly one out of Dungarvan is one of the two most popular mass participation ones. The 180km Ring of Kerry is the other . For those two, accommodation needs to be booked early.
And then you have the overseas ones, which are unlike anything you will do in Ireland and Orwell will regularly run trips to these for example, L'etape, Majorca 312, the psychotic Haute Route and this year's chosen one, the Marmotte. Covering a distance of 174.4km (108.4mi) and with 5,180m (16,990ft) of climbing, the route is considered to be one of the hardest of any cyclosportive and comparable to any of the most challenging high mountain stages of the Tour de France. Several famous Tour de France mountains feature; the Col du Glandon, Col du Telegraphe, Col du Galibier and the final ascent of the legendary Alpe d'Huez. Le Bourg d'Oisans hosts the start of the event.
Apart from the previously published reports which are at the Leisure Articles page, if anyone would like to share their 2c on particular Sportives please e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we’ll include it in the summary.
