It was odd - almost a solo ride punctuated with a mile or two of tagging on with other riders here and there. The majority of entrants were supposedly doing the 140m route and set off between 7am and 8am. The mini routers set off in small dribs and drabs after 8am, so groups were few and far between.

I also think the severity of the first climb (within 1 mile) separated any groups out. I lost my riding partner here and never saw her again until the end! So many people I spoke with said it was almost suicidal to have a 27% climb so early before your legs are warmed up, whilst others said "wow, what an amazing start!"

I don't know what other Sportives are like, but I only saw one group of 3, and apart from that, single riders sparsely dotted around the course.