Conquer the legendary climbs and coastal vistas of the South Downs on Sunday, 10th May 2026, with the Beast to the East Cycle Sportive. This hugely popular event from Swanmore College offers four fully-marked distances, from a 28-mile introduction to a formidable 100-mile 'Epic', each showcasing the spectacular yet challenging beauty of the Meon Valley. Test your legs on iconic ascents like Butser Hill, where your reward is a breathtaking panoramic view of the sea, before sweeping through the heart of the South Downs National Park. With fully-stocked aid stations, enthusiastic marshals, and a vibrant atmosphere, it's a meticulously organised day that balances fierce personal challenge with incredible camaraderie. Choose your distance, secure your bespoke finisher's medal (or plant a tree with the 'Trees Not Tees' initiative), and prepare for a ride that truly earns its name.
Races Offered
100 Mile Epic
May 10, 2026
straighten
Distance —
160.9K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
08:00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Winchester, Hampshire.
thermostatTemperature
8.8° / 17.5°
wb_sunnyFeels like
6.0° / 14.7°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
11h 11m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
1.7 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
13.2 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Low
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (4.2)
humidity_mid
Humidity
75.6%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
05:13
nightlight
Sunset
20:48
About Winchester, Hampshire
Learn more about the host city, Winchester, Hampshire.
Winchester is a cathedral city in Hampshire, England. The city lies at the heart of the wider City of Winchester, a local government district, at the western end of the South Downs National Park, on the River Itchen. It is 60 miles (97 km) south-west of London and 14 miles (23 km) from Southampton, its nearest major city. At the 2021 census, the built-up area of Winchester had a population of 48,478. The wider City of Winchester district includes towns such as Alresford and Bishop's Waltham and had a population of 127,439 in 2021. Winchester is the county town of Hampshire and contains the head offices of Hampshire County Council.
