Hardy riders are all set to hit top gear at the Chiltern 100

The event was founded by the Verulam Cycling Club who work with organisers Human Race to plan the annual sportive that attracts 2,500 riders.

Thanks to Human Race’s donation to the VCC, funds from the Chiltern 100 are being pumped into grass roots cycling in the area.

This year will see the first youth riders taking part in sessions hosted by Verulam Cycling Club, designed to encourage and educate the next generation of cyclists.

Young riders will be given the opportunity to experience both track and off-road cycling over six sessions during the summer holidays.

Demand has already seen initial sessions fill up with club members, but the club hope to expand this further in 2016.

“Inspiring the next generation of cyclists was always part of the plan when we became partners on the Chiltern 100,” said Human Race’s Nick Rusling. “We’re delighted Verulam Cycling Club are using funds from this spectacular sportive on these valuable projects. It is vital we encourage the next generation to get involved to ensure the continued success of the sport.

“It’s long been our desire to help give young people who show an interest in cycling a helping hand,” added Doug Driscoll from Verulam Cycling Club.

“The injection of money from Human Race will ensure that our ambitions can become reality. It’s an exciting time and we are looking forward to revealing more details in the future”.

The Chiltern 100 has been dubbed by riders as ‘The toughest sportive close to the capital’ with the Gran Fondo route featuring a gut wrenching 21 climbs over 110 miles.

Riders will be asked to complete an audacious 2,700 metres of climbing through beautiful countryside with spectacular views.

The Medio Fondo is approximately a 76-mile route, which follows much of the Gran Fondo before a split allows riders to take a more direct route back home.

The start and finish will be based at Bovingdon Airfield where an event village will be created to host the 2,500 riders.