Dragon Ride 2014
The Wiggle Dragon Ride has been voted the “UK’s Most Popular Sportive” by Cycling Weekly several times.
The Dragon Ride has remained a popular feature on the UK sportive scene because of it’s beautiful setting in the Brecon Beacons and its iconic climbs through the Welsh Mountains including the category 1 Bwlch and Rhigos climbs.
The organisers have listened to rider feedback about car parking and waiting times in the starting area and switched the start/finish of the event in 2012 to Margam Country Park near Port Talbot, South Wales. Margam Country Park has experience in hosting mass participation events and attractions like the Go Ape zip wire and mountain bike hire mean that the Dragon Ride can now be included in a short family break away in the beautiful Brecon Beacons.
Dragon Ride Event Details
- Date: Sunday 8th June 2014
- Courses:
- Corto: 45km +397m
- Medio Fondo: 152km + 2,060m
- Gran Fondo: 222km + 2,905m
- Dragon Devil: 300km + 3,437m
- WomenOnly Cycletta: 45km +397m
- Start and Finish: Margam Country Park near Port Talbot, South Wales
- Accommodation: Both Port Talbot and Porthcrawl are nearby accommodation options
Dragon Ride Course Preview
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Black Mountain
- Max % 12
- Average % 6
- Distance 5.5km/3.4m
Cray
- Max % 13
- Average % 4.5
- Distance 4km/2.5m
Bryn Melyn/Devils Elbow
- Max % 20
- Average % 10
- Distance 1.5km/0.93m
Rhigos
- Max % 10
- Average % 5.7
- Distance 5.8km/3.6m
Bwlch
- Max % 10
- Average % 6.1
- Distance 6km/3.75m
Bryn
- Max % 12
- Average % 7
- Distance 2km/1.25m
Cimla
- Max % 17
- Average % 8.5
- Distance 1km/0.6m
Coelbren (Medio Fondo Only)
- Max % 7.6
- Average % 4.7
- Distance 2.4km/1.5m
Glynneath Bank
- Max % 15
- Average % 5.2
- Distance 3km/1.85m
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Black Mountain
Bryn Melyn/Devils Elbow
Bwlch
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Training for The Dragon Ride
The Dragon Ride is long for a one day sportive and features a saw tooth profile of short but sharp climbs. A cycling training program for the Dragon Ride will need to include a solid amount of base conditioning miles, as well as specific practice for hill climbing.
The Dragon Ride profile leaves the Rhigos and Bwlch efforts to the last section of the course, making it essential to have a smooth climbing cadence that doesn’t fatigue muscles too early. By keeping climbing cadence high (using a low gear that allows you to spin at 90rpm+) your legs will fatigue less rapidly, something that you will be thankful for on the last climb of the day.
Sportive Training Tips
- Follow an achievable sportive training plan; consistent training is the key to finishing a sportive
- Check out these 5 training tips for sportives
- A sportive training holiday in the Alps will help you practice climbing cadence
Dragon Ride Entry
Dragon Ride online registration opens in October and always sells out very fast.
Too late already? Check out the Best Sportives in Europe and find a challenge that motivates you!
Dragon Ride Sportive Training Camps
If you are training for Dragon Ride then join like minded riders on a cycling training camp in the Swiss Alps or Italian Dolomites to prepare for your best summer of cycling ever.
Dragon Ride Sportive Training Plan
Are you in training for Dragon Ride? Use our free 12 week Sportive Training Plan to get you in the best possible shape for the Dragon Ride. Simply fill the form below and we’ll send you your free training plan:
If you want to complete the Dragon Ride then book a sportive training holiday to practice climbing!
Useful Websites for The Dragon Ride
- Official website: Wiggle Dragon Ride
- Facebook: Meet fellow riders on the Facebook Page
- Twitter: Join the conversation on Twitter with the hashtag #wiggledragonride
Still searching for a sportive? Then check out our sportive calendar for the best handpicked cycling events in Europe.