Giant's Causeway Coast Sportive, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland's coast roads provide both the challenge and the scenery at this sportive, first held in 2011. There are three distance options for the field of 1,000 riders: the 56km Causeway Coaster, the 125km Glens and Coast Route, or the 185km Giant Killer. There's plenty of climbing, and some very steep descents too, so care is needed, particularly in wet weather, which is a real possibility in this part of the world.
• September 2013, dates to be confirmed, entry fee £35, giantscausewaycoastsportive.com
Lincoln Grand Prix
The Lincoln Grand Prix combines a spectator-friendly circuit with tough, spirited racing to make this race the British Premier Calendar series' flagship event. While the glorious Lincolnshire countryside makes a real impression on those visiting the race, it's Lincoln itself that packs the real punch, both in terms of the town's stunning architecture, dominated by the towering cathedral, and the punishing ascent of cobbled Michaelgate. For professionals only, this event was first held in 1956 and has places for 160 competitors.
• Next race: 11 May 2013, lincolngrandprix.org.uk
Cycletta, UK-wide
This series of women-only events was held in seven venues across the country in 2012: Cheshire, Wiltshire, Bedfordshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, Cornwall and Warwickshire. The courses chosen are challenging but not too tough or long, so that even novice cyclists should be able to complete them with some training. The races are supported by Olympic gold medallist Victoria Pendleton (pictured in the centre, wearing white) and were first held in 2011. There are 1,000 places in each event.
• Entry costs £38 for 40km routes (all venues) and £42 for the longer routes (between 55 and 80km); dates for some locations are already confirmed for 2013, details at cycletta.co.uk
London Nocturne
Since 2007, the Smithfield Market area of London has been brought alive on a June evening each year by the sights and sounds of high-octane bike racing. With plenty of food and drink venues surrounding the Smithfield circuit helping to draw a large crowd, it's a fantastic evening for spectators as well as competitors. One of most enjoyable races of the evening is the folding bike race, which requires competitors – dressed as commuters – to run to their bikes and unfold them before hitting the circuit. Anyone can take part, with 500 people racing, the event was first held in 2007.
• Next meeting: Saturday 8 June 2013, londonnocturne.com. Indoor event on 17-20 January 2013, at the London Bike Show
Jurassic Classic, Devon
Enjoy east Devon by bike and raise money for the Prostate Cancer Charity, while the "events village" keeps friends and family fed, watered and entertained – and does the same for the returning cyclists. The event offers the 700 riders a choice between a 100-mile Epic route or the 100km Challenge. Both start in Exmouth, with the Challenge's most difficult climb coming at Gittisham Hill. That route then turns inland after the feed station at Sidmouth, while the Epic continues along the spectacular Jurassic coast, over Salcombe Hill, then on to Lyme Regis before heading north. The routes come together again at Honiton and complete the circle back to Exmouth.
• 2013 date to be announced, jurassic-classic.org.uk
Good Friday meeting, south London
The iconic Herne Hill velodrome – venue for the track cycling at the 1948 London Olympics – hosts a popular Easter race meeting, first held in 1903. The meet has always attracted big-name riders from abroad, as well as a regular stream of well-known homers, including Bradley Wiggins (pictured above, competing at Herne Hill in 2007). Club riders can also enter, for a chance to race against some top names.
• 2013 date to be announced, 2012 prices adults £12, children £6, bristowevents.co.uk, hernehillvelodrome.com
Four Days of Dunkirk
This stage race in northern France is easily accessible to British fans. The race name is confusing and could play havoc with your hotel booking as it is actually staged over five days. The extra day was added as the race grew in popularity, but it still has a friendly, traditional feel and stays faithful to its name in one respect – it always starts and finishes in Dunkirk. The first race was held in 1955 and the current field size is 160.
• 2013 date to be announced, but it is held in May, 4joursdedunkerque.org (website in French)
Dresden Race, Germany
The historic city of Dresden (pictured) in Saxony, eastern Germany, hosts both the start and finish of this race, which anyone can take part in. With the sportive taking place on the same day as the pro Sachsen Tour, participants can feel proud to have participated in the same race as the elite riders. Riders have a choice between two routes (106km or 75km), and there is also a ride for six-13 year-olds.
• 2013 date to be announced, but it is held in July, sachsentour.org
Granfondo Milano-San Remo, Italy
The tough climb from Milan to the 591m Passo del Turchino means anyone doing this race is rewarded with the most fantastic backdrop of the Mediterranean before dropping down into San Remo on the Italian riviera. It's held in June so you are virtually guaranteed sunny (and hot) Italian weather. At the end of the the 290km race, event buses will take you and your bike back to Milan. It was first held in 1969.
• Next race 9 June 2013, registration €51, bus back to Milan €55, milano-sanremo.org
Race Across Europe
Covering a total of 2,933 miles, this route starts in Calais and heads into Germany and then through Austria. From there it heads south to Slovenia, and then westwards through Italy and back to (southern) France. Then it's on into Spain and the long ride down the length of the country to Gibraltar. Though anyone can take part, this race is seriously tough. Riders have to provide their own support crews and must devise the best strategy for moving as quickly and efficiently through Europe as possible. It's a relatively new event: the first race was held in 2011.
• June 2013, dates to be confirmed; entry from £750 per rider, theraceacrosseurope.com
World's Ultimate Cycling Races is published by Collins, RRP £20
