A sportive is a long-distance cycling event, usually organized annually and witnesses mass participation. Sportives are usually timed, and can be either competitive or non-competitive. The idea of a Sportive is so that cyclists of different levels can come together and participate in a mass event. Many cyclists use Sportives to challenge themselves in a personal battle against the distance and then ultimately, the clock. Sportives fall between a traditional cycle road race and the more challenging non-competitive randonnée or Audax events. Riders normally carry a number and the time they take to complete the course is recorded. There is usually a time limit within which the ride is to be completed.