Velobelle had there first experience of a Cyclo Sportives recently when taking part in Le Pierre Le Bigaut  (http://www.lapierrelebigaut-muco.org ) . Cyclo Sportives are long distance, organised, mass participation cycling ‘events’ - not races.

This event is held every year starting and finishing in the quaint market village of Callac which is in the Cotes d’Armor region of Brittany.

The Pierre Le Bigaut draws up to 7000 cyclists from all over Europe and is essentially a charity event to raise money for the fight against cystic fibrosis.

You have a choice of distances to cycle ranging from 27km to 155km. The route taken is on closed roads with marshals in place to stop traffic.

Velobelle covered a distance of 100km with a welcome refreshment stop at 50km with stalls providing drinks and ‘madeleine’ cakes to top up the energy levels for the last 50km to the finish.

Along the route you have lots of support from the locals and all the villages are decorated with flags and bunting.

Velobelle completed the challenge in 3hrs 32mins and celebrated with a much welcomed glass of Bretagne Cider.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable event and the Velobelle girls will be back next year.