Considered Yorkshire's "Premier" sportive and for some past participants probale the hardest sportive in Yorkshire, this annual event has been run by volunteers and friends of Ilkley Cycling Club since 2012. The next edition of the event will be held on Sunday 31st May 2026. Registration for the event is now open.
There are 4 routes to choose from (with full route details to be published in early 2025):
- The Short One - at 35 miles this is a steady ride up the Wharfedale valley and back on either side of the River Wharfe.
- The Intermediate One - 70 miles via Grassington in the heart of the Dales,
- The Challenge - demanding 98 mile that goes into beautiful remote, less-travelled areas of the Yorkshire dales
- The Epic One - a hardy 124 miler for those looking for the ultimate sportive challenge that takes you deep in to the Yorkshire dales.
Ilkley Cycling Club, (ICC) members with an active membership are entitled to a 20% discount on their chosen route, when they enter via the White Rose Classic website. The discount doesn't apply if entering direct on the British Cycling website.
New for 2026, ICC members can enter directly via the website to obtain the discount, the discount code will emailed to active members in the regular club mailings and via other communication channels.
Full event details can be found on the White Rose Classic website.