Black Rat Cyclosportive

Name: Black Rat Cyclosportive
Start: 2027-05-23T07:30:00+00:00
End: 2027-05-23T07:30:00+00:00
Location: Hood Memorial Hall, Devauden, Chepstow, NP16 6NX
Rating: 4.3

Question 1

When and where is the Black Rat Sportive taking place?

Accepted Answer

A: The event takes place on Sunday 23rd May. The headquarters is at Hood Memorial Hall, Devauden, Chepstow, NP16 6NX.

Question 2

What time does the venue open?

Accepted Answer

The entrance gate to the hall opens at 7.30am.

Question 3

What is the What3Words location for the venue?

Accepted Answer

///kneeled.sweetener.lunch

Question 4

What email address should I use if I have questions?

Accepted Answer

Please email entries@blackratcycling.co.uk. Please note that emails sent on Thursday, Friday or Saturday prior to the event date will not be responded to immediately, as the team will be out on the course putting up signage. They will reply as soon as possible.

Question 5

How do I get to Hood Memorial Hall?

Accepted Answer

From Junction 2 of the M48, take the A466 towards Chepstow. At Highbeech roundabout, continue straight on (signposted Tintern and Monmouth). Continue on the A466 to the next roundabout outside Chepstow Racecourse. Turn left onto Itton Road towards Devauden. Follow this road through Itton and on to Devauden (approx. 4.5 miles). At the village green in Devauden, turn right — you will see the village hall. Signposts will direct you from the road.

Question 6

Is there parking available at the venue?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Car parking is situated behind Hood Memorial Hall with space for approximately 300 cars. Marshals will direct you to park considerately.

Question 7

What time should I aim to arrive?

Accepted Answer

Please try to arrive by 8.30am. Riders begin setting off from 8.45am, and the entrance to the hall is shared with the exit for riders, so arriving early will help avoid congestion.

Question 8

When does registration open?

Accepted Answer

Registration opens at 7.45am on Sunday 23rd May.

Question 9

Do I need to know my rider number in advance?

Accepted Answer

No. You only need to know your name. The registration team will find you on the system and allocate your number on arrival.

Question 10

How do I attach my timing chip?

Accepted Answer

Your timing chip is attached to the back of your rider number board. Fix the number board to your handlebars using the zip ties supplied at registration. Please keep the board flat rather than wrapping it around your head tube, as this can affect the timing chip's performance.

Question 11

What are the start times?

Accepted Answer

Granfondo: 8.45am

Mediofondo: 9.00am

Question 12

Do both routes follow the same path?

Accepted Answer

Yes — all riders follow the same route until Llangattock Llingoed, which is 45km into the ride, where the routes diverge. (after the feed station)

Question 13

Where are the feed stations?

Accepted Answer

Feed Station 1 (all riders): The Hunters Mood Inn at Llangattock Llingoed — after 42km
Feed Station 2 (Granfondo only): Llangynidr — after 100km

Question 14

What do I need to do when I finish?

Accepted Answer

Please ride through the finish arch to ensure your finish time is recorded.

Question 15

Is there food and drink at the finish?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Hot food and a glass of cider are available free of charge to all finishers.

Question 16

I've never done a sportive before — what should I expect on arrival?

Accepted Answer

Head to the registration area as soon as you've parked. You don't need to know your rider number — just give your name. You'll be given your number board and timing chip. Zip ties are provided to attach the number to your handlebars.

Question 17

Which route is better suited for a first-time participant?

Accepted Answer

The Mediofondo is the shorter route. Both routes share the same road until 45km, where Granfondo riders will turn to ride up Gospel Pass

Question 18

What if I get into difficulty on the course?

Accepted Answer

Don't worry — there is mobile mechanic support on the course. Call one of the emergency numbers provided (Jeremy, Tony, or Anders). If signal is poor, try texting or asking nearby riders to call on your behalf.

Question 19

Is there food on the course?

Accepted Answer

Yes — there is a feed station for all riders at 42km (The Hunters Moon Inn at Llangattock Llingoed), plus further stops depending on your route. There's also free pasta salad and cider at the finish.

Question 20

Is there anything to be aware of on the Granfondo-specific section of the route?

Accepted Answer

No. At the time of writing, all routes are open with no restrictions.

Question 21

Where is the best place to spectate?

Accepted Answer

The start and finish are both at Hood Memorial Hall, Devauden — making it a great place to watch riders set off and come home. The venue opens from 7.30am.

Question 22

Is there parking for spectators?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available behind Hood Memorial Hall for approximately 300 cars. Marshals will be on hand to direct parking.

Black Rat Cyclosportive

Black Rat Cycling

Black Rat Cyclosportive

4.7/5