Training guide · Sportive · Cumbria, UK
How to train for Fred Whitton Challenge
9 May 2027. A lap of the Lake District passes with Hardknott and Wrynose saved for the end. Here is what the day asks of you, and when your plan has to start.
- Date
- Sun 9 May 2027
- Weeks to go
- —
- Start
- Cumbria
- Routes
- 180 km
- Climbing
- Not published by organiser
- Format
- Timed sportive, dawn start from Grasmere
What this event asks of you
The Fred is a long day in the Lake District with the two hardest climbs at the end. Kirkstone comes early from Grasmere, then Honister, Newlands and Whinlatter break up the middle of the ride with short, steep pitches and fast, narrow descents. The reason the event has its reputation is Hardknott and Wrynose, which come with most of the distance already in your legs. Hardknott is among the steepest tarmac in the country and many riders walk it. Wrynose follows straight after, and then there is still a run back to Grasmere.
What this asks for is not a high peak power. It is the ability to produce force at low cadence on very steep ground when you are already tired, and the pacing judgement to arrive there with something left. The Lake District weather can turn in an hour, so cold and wet are part of the plan, not the exception. Train the long ride with hard efforts placed late, practise climbing seated and standing on steep gradients, and choose gearing for Hardknott rather than for the flat. Fuel through the middle of the day when the climbs are shorter and the group is moving quickly, because the end gives you no chance to catch up.
The day by rider level
| Route | Typical finish | What it needs |
|---|---|---|
| 180 km | 7 to 10 h | Low-cadence force on very steep gradients late in the day, confident descending on narrow wet roads, gearing chosen for Hardknott |
When your plan has to start
Counted back from the event date. If the organiser moves the date, these move with it.
Key climbs
- 1Kirkstone Pass
- 2Honister Pass
- 3Newlands Pass
- 4Whinlatter Pass
- 5Hardknott Pass
- 6Wrynose Pass
The traditional route; the organiser has shortened it in past years when a pass was closed. Gradient, length and where each climb sits in the day will come from the route engine once the organiser's GPX is loaded. Until then this list is hand-written from the route, with no figures attached.
Other guides for the same block of the year
- How to train for We Ride Flanders3 Apr 2027
- How to train for Belgian Waffle Ride California1 May 2027
- How to train for Gran Fondo Nove Colli23 May 2027