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Dragon Ride

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Tackle the Dragon Ride if you dare in the UK's most prestigious sportive. Whether you're ready to take on the mammoth Dragon Devil or just want a taste of the famous Welsh climbs with the Macmillan 100, this sportive will bring the best cyclists from around the country together.
C-19 Plan
Human Race has confirmed that this event will be going ahead as planned on Saturday 5th Jun 2021 in accordance with the COVID-19 safety measures. Learn more

Review summary

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5
2 Reviews
  • Course
  • Organisation
  • Atmosphere

S

Simon O
"worth every effort pushing those pedals, busting my lungs to arrive at every..."

A

Alex C
"Amazing course, wonderful support at aid stations and the potatoes are the..."
See all reviews

How to enter the Dragon Ride

  1. Dragon Devil 304k

    Bike 300km
    £109.95–£209.95
    Entry Closed

  2. Gran Fondo 211k

    Bike 223km
    £74.95–£174.95
    Entry Closed

  3. Macmillan 100

    Bike 98.7km
    £59.95–£159.95
    Entry Closed

  4. Medio Fondo 157k

    Bike 153km
    £69.95–£169.96
    Entry Closed

Dragon Ride routes

DEVIL

Arguably the toughest one-day ride in the UK, the Devil distance is as tough as it gets and riders need to be prepared for a long day in the saddle. To make things more interesting, this years race will still feature Devil's Elbow and Devil's Staircase from the proper direction, but you'll face the others from the opposite direction to previous years.

Climbing: This route features 6 x category 5 climbs, totalling 4351m of ascent and a monster distance of 304k. Get ready to tackle these climbs:

  • Sardis Hill
  • Glynneath Hill
  • Black Mountain
  • Sugar Loaf Hill
  • Devil's Staircase
  • Bwlych Cerrig Duon
  • Bwlych Bryn-Rhudd
  • Devils Elbow
  • Rhigos
  • The Bwlch.

Feed Stations: 6 stops and an extra water station.

Cut Off 1: Riders must get to the Gran Fondo split (138km/86 miles) by 13:55 = average speed of 20kmh/13mph.

Cut Off 2: Riders must get to Llandovery Feed Station (154km/96 miles) by 14:40 = average speed of 20kmh/13mph.

GRAN FONDO

The most popular route on the Dragon Ride, it's a tough days cycle. The original distance is a huge test for cyclists of all abilities:

Climbing: The route features 3 x Category 5 climbs and over 3,000m of total climbing.

  • Sardis Hill
  • Glynneath Hill
  • Black Mountain
  • Bwlch Cerrig Duon
  • Bwlch Bryn-Rhudd
  • Devils Elbow
  • Rhigos
  • The Bwlch

Feed Stations: 4 stops.

Cut Off 1: Riders must get to the Medio Fondo split (112km/69 miles) by 14:05 = average speed of 20kph/13mph.

MEDIO FONDO

A really challenging ride featuring three of the four signature climbs of the Gran Fondo route:

Climbing: The route features 3 x Category 5 climbs and nearly 2,200m of total climbing.

  • Sardis Hill
  • Glynneath Hill
  • Bwlch Bryn-Rhudd
  • Devils Elbow
  • Rhigos
  • The Bwlych

Feed Stations: 2 stops.

Cut Off 1: Riders must get to the Macmillan 100km split (54km/34 miles) by 12:30 = average speed of 12mph.

Cut Off 2: Riders must get to Glynneath (105km/65 miles) by 15:55 = average speed of 10mph.

MACMILLAN 100

The newest distance to the ride and a great test featuring two cracking climbs, which this year you'll tackle from the opposite direction:

Climbing: The route features the Bwlch and Rhigos climbs featured on all other routes and over 1,200m of total climbing.

  • Sardis Hill
  • Rhigos
  • The Bwlch

Feed Stations: 1 stop.

Cut Off: There are no cut offs on this route.

Event Details

What’s Included
  • Finisher's medal
  • Feed stations
  • Mechanical support
  • Motorcycling marshalling
  • Medical support
  • Free car parking
  • Electronic chip timing
  • Results texted to your mobile phone as you cross the line
  • Sweep vehicle for those who cannot complete the route
Raceday Logistics

The estimated start times are as follows:

Devil's Ride: 06:45 - 07:00

Gran Fondo: 07:08 - 08:08

Medio Fondo: 08:16 - 08:51

Macmillan: 08:59 - 09:09

Kit List

BIKE - Please make sure it is in good condition. There will be mechanics at the Start and at all Feed Stations on the route, but we would advise making sure your bike is in top condition prior to arriving at the event.

HELMET - Helmets are compulsory and MUST be worn at all times during the event.

DRINKS BOTTLES & REFRESHMENTS - You will be able to replenish at the Feed Stations but ensure you start out with full drinks bottles.

BIKE REPAIR KIT - Spare inner tubes, pump, puncture repair kit including tyre levers, multi-tool, chain tool, Shimano pin, etc.

CLOTHING - Conditions can vary greatly across the route, so please ensure you bring wet weather gear, sun screen, mobile phone, money and some form of identification.

Spectators

Currently it is too soon to tell what the guidelines and restrictions will be in place during the event regarding social distancing etc, but more information will be available when the latest guidance comes out approximately 2-3 weeks before the event.

Read more about our COVID - Guarantee at https://www.dragonride.co.uk/covid-guarantee/

Volunteers

If you think you've got what it takes to join the Dragon Ride Team email [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

How will I receive my event pack for the Dragon Ride?
Your event pack will be posted out a few weeks before the event. These packs are your passport to the day and are non-transferrable. The packs include: event numbers, a coloured card to identify which distance you are riding, helmet & bike stickers, and timing chip.
What do I do if my pack doesn't arrive in time for the event?
If you have not received your event pack by the event weekend, simply come and see us at the event information desk on the day with ID and we will issue you another pack.
Will I have to wear a mask whilst cycing?
That is not the current advice but we may ask you to wear one immediately before the event and immediately after crossing the finish line. We will communicate further instructions 2-3 weeks prior to the event.
Is there a minimum age requirement to enter the Dragon Ride?
All participants must be aged 16 and over as of 06/06/2021.
What is a ballot entry?
Due to the rollover from the 2020 event, the 2021 event will be balloted. Entering the ballot means if you are successful in securing a place in your chosen ride, you will then be charged for your ticket. Premium entry is marginally more expensive but guarantees your entry and skips the ballot. Premium Plus Entry is everything the premium entry is but includes the exclusive sportive jersey.

Dragon Ride weather forecast

16°C
Predicted highs
12°C
Predicted lows
IconModerate breeze possible, up to 11mph

Meet the organiser

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Human Race

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Human Race
Human Race is the UK’s leading mass participation events company, putting on over 30 events each year in triathlon, cycling, running, duathlon and open water swimming. Part of Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.), owners of Le Tour de France and the leader in the French running and sportive market, Human Race’s prestigious portfolio includes the Windsor Triathlon, Dragon Ride L’Etape Wales, the Cancer Research UK Winter Run Series and VitalityMove.

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Dragon Ride reviews (2)

5 out of 5 stars

  • Course
  • Organisation
  • Atmosphere
Write A Review

  • S

    Simon O1 review

    Did the Medio Fondo 157k in 2019

    worth every effort pushing those pedals, busting my lungs to arrive at every feed station, where you were welcomed by a great crew. Great ride, great day, organisers should be proud!!

  • A

    Alex C2 reviews

    Did the Gran Fondo 211k in 2019

    Amazing course, wonderful support at aid stations and the potatoes are the best.

    Only suggestions, it would be amazing to have hot drink options at the aid stations - it was pouring today and I was freezing. Personally I don't like the energy drink - much prefer high 5 tabs.

    All in all an amazing day. Thanks!

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