A FOGGY morning greeted nearly 500 riders for the fourth annual Santini Cotswold Autumn Classic sportive that took place on Sunday, October 4.

With three routes on offer (of 60km, 100km and 160km) there was challenging roads ahead for all the riders.

Once out on the road, the sun started to break through the fog and by late morning the riders were bathed in the last of the summer sun.

The route took riders on a northern loop out of Cirencester to Colesbourne, before heading back past Cirencester and over to Poulton for the first feed of the day at Performance Cycles.

From here riders then headed north again, up through Aldsworth to Sherbourne, where the route split for the 100km and 160km riders.

Those taking the 100km option were treated to the stunning lanes of the Windrush valley, before dropping down through Northleach and having to tackle the climb of Withington, after which they had a fast run back along the Whiteway to Cirencester.

Those that took on the full 160km route continued to head north, taking in the Rissingtons, Lower Slaughter, Blockley and getting as far north as Saintbury, where they were then rewarded with the climb of Saintbury hill, and the site of their second feed station of the day.

From here is was a run south, through Winchcombe and Brockhampton, before joining up with the shorter route and climbing Withington hill before the run for home.

Once back at the event HQ, Cirencester College, riders were able to relax and get a massage from LS Personal Training, and enjoy the pasta party that was laid on for them as well.

Poulton based organisers Velo Events are now gearing up for their winter mini-series of events that takes place from October to March, full details of which can be found at minisportiveseries.co.uk.

Entry opens on Friday, October 16 for the Santini Cotswold Spring Classic which takes place on Easter Monday every year. For more details visit cotswoldspringclassic.co.uk.