Sportives are the target event for most of the Roadman audience. Events like the Etape du Tour, Marmotte, Maratona dles Dolomites, and the Fred Whitton are the cycling equivalent of a marathon — you're racing the clock and yourself, not attacking off the front. No licence is required, drafting etiquette varies by event, and the field ranges from first-timers to ex-professionals. Preparation follows the same principles as race training: build a base, develop climbing-specific fitness, practise your nutrition strategy, and taper properly. The difference from racing is the pacing — in a sportive you're managing your effort across 100-200km, not responding to attacks. That makes sportive performance very trainable and very responsive to getting the basics right.