Dragon Ride – Which route will you take on?

23rd November 2015

Dragon Ride, one of the most iconic sportives in the UK, has announced its four spectacular routes for its 13th year on Sunday 5th June 2016. With distances stretching from 100km through to 305km, Dragon Ride invites all cyclists looking for a challenge to enjoy the Dragon experience and explore some of the most stunning cycling South Wales has to offer.

The four routes include; Dragon Devil (305km), Gran Fondo (230km), Medio Fondo (153km) and new for 2016 the Macmillan 100 (100km). Among many highlights of the Dragon Ride’s carefully planned routes are the chance to take on spectacular climbs such as Rhigos, Black Mountain and Devil’s Elbow. These are just a taste of the climbing cyclists will take on, with some ascents reaching gradients of 19%. New elevation profiles reveal the extent of the challenge that awaits riders in 2016.

The Macmillan 100 (100km) is expected to be popular with riders making the trip to explore this cycling heartland for the first time, and offers cyclists a taste of what the Dragon Ride has to offer. With many of the route highlights packed into just 66 miles, including the signature climbs of Bwlch (an ascent of 527m) and Rhigos (ascent of 485m). This carefully designed new route has been named in conjunction with the Dragon Ride’s official charity Macmillan Cancer Support. Riders taking on the Macmillan 100 are encouraged to raise money or donate to support this great cause.

K5915 Dragon Ride Elevation Maps 602x302 v1.indd

The immensely popular Medio Fondo (152km) and Gran Fondo (230km) are back after rave reviews in 2015. Both pass through the beautiful Brecon Beacons, with those opting for the longer Gran Fondo taking on approximately 2,905m of climbing. Participants will ride the original Dragon signature climb, the Rhigos, before continuing North towards Heol Senni to experience the next major test, the Devil’s Elbow, which boasts a height of 446m and gradients reaching 20% on the bends.

K5915 Dragon Ride Elevation Maps 602x302 v1.indd
K5915 Dragon Ride Elevation Maps 602x302 v1.indd

After completing the Devil’s Elbow riders tackling the Dragon Devil (305km) route will continue to head north out of the Brecon Beacons to the market town of Llandovery. The next big ascent is Devil’s Staircase, a 5km climb with the last 1km featuring a leg busting 25% gradient up to the summit at 481m. The Dragon Devil is not for the faint hearted with riders climbing over 3,800m, which is over half the height of Kilimanjaro.

Cyclists on all four routes will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular views that cycling in Wales has to offer. The mixture of jaw-dropping scenery along with challenging riding and an incredible atmosphere has made the Dragon Ride a bucket list event every riders should complete.

Limited places for the 2016 Dragon Ride are now available. Riders should head to www.dragonride.co.uk to find out more details and register.