The Kentish Killer sportive marks the start of the cycling season in South East England – regarded by clubs and riders as one of the UK’s toughest, most demanding sportives. It is held on back to back weekends with the Hell of the Ashdown (HOTA), another extremely testing sportive. The Kentish Killer 2026 is set for Sunday 1st March and the route will follow the same course as previous years.
This event has been popular with Team De Ver, our riders having taken part for the last 13 years. A number of members have expressed an interest for this event so there should be good representation and a good atmosphere.
Organisation moved from GS Avanti to Flamme Rouge Events after COVID lockdowns caused 2020/2021 events to be cancelled, but the format and route remains the same and the event has maintained a link with charity Kent Air Ambulance. Climbs include Bates Hill, Carter’s Hill, Hubbards Hill, Fordcombe Hill, Ide Hill, Sundridge Hill, Row Dow, Tinker Pot Lane.
The registration/start is at Brands Hatch motor racing circuit, nearest train station is Eynsford which is on the Thameslink line (Denmark Hill, Peckham Rye). Some members may drive so watch the WhatsApp group for messages if you need a lift. Entrance and car park is the main entrance “Colin Chapman Way” off the A20, beware satnav may direct you via Scratchers Lane.
Registration opens at 10am on Wednesday 12 November – with details on the Kentish Killer website. This is a very popular event and will sell out quickly.
Registration cost in 2025 was £42.50 +£3.31 Booking Fee – Sign up via the Flamme Rouge Eventrac website.
If you sign/ed up to Hell of the Ashdown this year you will receive a discount code for Kentish Killer, so you can enter both and DO THE DOUBLE.
Long route (66.9 miles, 5676ft climbing)
The organisers publish this on RideWithGPS (Long Route). We shared this in 2025 on Garmin Connect (KK2025 Long). It looks like the route has not changed, but please refer to the organiser’s route on RideWithGPS to be certain.
Short Route (39.9 miles, 3160ft climbing)
The organisers publish this on RideWithGPS (Short Route). We shared this in 2025 on Garmin Connect (KK2025 Short). It looks like the route has not changed, but please refer to the organiser’s route on RideWithGPS to be certain.
