This week’s regrettable announcement by ASO regarding the scaling back of their new Paris-Roubaix Challenge has got us thinking about the cost of sportive entry these days, and whether or not we get our money’s worth.
At an original entry fee of €75, the race on the cobbles of northern France wasn’t cheap, but the unique challenge of riding a very similar course to the professional race, on closed roads, with a climax at the historic Roubaix Velodrome, was appealing. But complications at the organisers end meant most of these unique selling points have been scrapped for the 2011 edition, and although the entry fee has been knocked down to €40, the fact that it’s now being run on open roads leaves it on a level of any other weekend sportive you’d find locally.
The question of whether or not sportives are too expensive has generated much discussion on the BikeRadar forum. It often comes down to what’s included in the entry package, whether it’s the chance to ride on closed roads, mechanical support, food stops or, in the case of a sportive we entered recently, a complementary post-ride massage. The charity issue is also important, and paying £30 to enter a ride knowing a chunk will boost fundraiser coffers may ease the pain. But paying £30 and getting little in return is what’s attracting the ire of some of our readers, and the huge demand for places means organisers are seemingly able to set whatever price they wish.
Apparently not; it’s a sentiment shared by many. “Paying £30 to ride a non-race, on public roads, with a few bananas and drink thrown in is crazy, but if people are happy to pay then they will continue to charge these prices,” said danowat.
And nic 77 points out: “Could someone remind me why a sportive should not be run to make a profit? Why should anyone put on an event for free, especially when there are punters willing to pay to take part!” He believes prices vary with the quality of the event, and that anyone not happy should simply stop entering them.
Of course, there are hidden costs those unhappy with entry fees may not take into account. Insurance costs (although only around 60 pence per rider each day) and organisational hours can add up, and many events do offer substantial extras such as new bike accessories and ride photography.
And this is possibly the whole point. The going rate is what people are willing to pay, and as long as events continue to sell out and demand outguns supply, things are sure to stay the way they are.
What do you think? Are sportives too expensive? Have your say in the comments box below.