Wiltshire Classic Sportive (UKCE) - 15 March 2026

After all the wet weather endured over winter, it was a fabulous sign that the sun was forecast for our first road Sportive of the season, taking place on rolling hills of Wiltshire in an event organised by UK Cycling Events*. 

Sportives like this give an opportunity to ride a curated route through some of the best English countryside, and starting from Salisbury racecourse this was only a short trip for the riders from Worthing Excelsior.

While the clear skies did deliver on the promised sunshine, it did also mean you were chipping ice off the car windscreen to the sound of the larks, and the wise man still chose a long-sleeved jersey for the event.

In true WECC fashion, despite having agreed we’d all go off the line together, we ended up going in three entirely separate waves, giving the fast trio of John, Carlos and Dom something to chase down. As it turned out, Dom would be chasing all day.

Ben made strong solo progress, when not surfing the wheels of other riding groups, while Steve and Robin attempted a 72 mile 2Up time trial. This was working well up until the point Robin had a dispute with his bike and parted company. Luckily both bike and rider bounced off the grass bank and avoided a plunge into the river. Only to then see Carlos and John pass through, eventually followed by Dom.

The weather held up, the village pubs looked inviting (but were ignored), and most of the overtaking seemed to be done by the boys in royal blue. Of course many of the other entrants were enjoying a relaxed and social day out (perfect!), whereas the fact that we had a number on our backs and a timing chip on our helmet, meant we were taking it all rather seriously, but nevertheless having a great time.

All riders made it safely to the finish, after a cracking ride; one to kick off the season and test your fitness. Much banter was to be had over the WhatsApp group, about who exactly had been gifting victory to who, and excuses about punctures and ‘the wrong bike’, but the timing chips tell the real story, and the club points were awarded accordingly.

We now look forward to the New Forest Classic, where 22 WECC members will be mixing it with the wildlife, along with their equally unruly club mates.

​Members of Worthing Excelsior CC enjoy a club discount from UKCE events, who provide a range of excellent sportives across the south of England.

Sportive Trophy Standings

Rider	Total Points	Participation pts	Pts AG/dist.
John McGrath	8	3	5
Carlos Castro	7	3	4
Dom Maxwell	6	3	3
Rob Lenharth	5	3	2
Steve Summers	4	3	1
Ben Cooper	3	3