The favourite loop of former Condor supported rider, Tao Geoghegan Hart. Tao's Essex spin is mostly flat and weaves through quiet country lanes to the infamous Blue Egg Cafe. There is a sting at the end with the addition of his 'Viper Loop'.
A loop to the infamous Blue Egg cafe where you can see signed jerseys from notable locals Alex Dowsett and Mark Cavendish.
"There is a shortcut at Blackmore if you need the fast way home, missing out the 'Viper loop'. There is also another highly recommended tea rooms if your in the market for more cake to battle that last stretch home."
If the wind is blowing in the direction it normally does in Essex you'll have some type of tailwind out and then a nice grind with it blowing strong in your face home." says Team Sky rider, Tao.
"My tip would be to head out with empty pockets and get your head down to the Egg, then indulge and pick one of their absolutely delicious cakes, before burning it off on the way back! That's my tactic anyway..."
Tao adds in the Viper Loop on the way back, but you can choose to short cut the loop out by heading south from the village of Blackmore.
"Hit up the Vipers if the legs allow and you may even be lucky enough to see Essex legend, ex-pro and commonwealth games medallist Bob Downs! He rode Condor bikes in the past and still does and this is his stomping ground, I've seen him flying around here many-a-time."
There aren't any KoM's on this route - it is Essex after all. Instead just rip it up and keep that chain tight all day! Full gas is the way forward on these lanes.
Tao has rode for Condor as a junior rider as part of the CC Hackney and Team GB squad. As a young rider racing on a team Leggero he excelled in big races such as the Junior Paris-Roubaix and dominated the Giro della Lunigiana in early September 2013, helping his teammates and Great Britain to success in the Junior Nations Cup. His performances caught the eye of Bissell Development Squad based in the United States and he began a professional contract with the team in 2014 before moving to Team Ineos in 2016, and with them becoming 2020 Giro d'Italia Champion.
Download top-tube cue sheet and profile
Due to the length of the ride this cue sheet does not include all the turns you will need to make. We have included all the villages and towns you will pass through on the ride.
Download GPX route for Garmin Edge units
Download TCX file for Garmin Edge
Viper Loop
Length: 11.7km
Elevation: 100m
The loop begins as your leave the village of Blackmore and merge left onto Chelmsford Road. There are three sharp and steep climbs on this loop, you will pass the Viper Pub before the route returns back to Blackmore Lane and continues back to London.
Cafe Stop: Blue Egg Cafe
Braintree Rd
Braintree
CM7 4PY
01371 811716
Cafe Stop: Megarrys Tea Shop (start of the Viper Loop)
Jericho Cottage
The Duckpond Green
Blackmore
Essex CM4 0RR
T 01277 821031
Images kindly provided by Juan Trujillo Andrades: http://www.truliphoto.com/
