2008 Dragon Ride photographs available now
http://www.sportivephoto.com

6th Dragon Ride Wales 2009

The Dragon Ride cyclosportive is a circular, 120 or 180km non competitive road cycle challenge ride over the beautiful hills and valleys of South Wales. With 2800m of climbing, the route takes in the classic Milk Race/Tour of Britain climbs of the Bwlch, Rhigos and Brecon Beacons mountain roads. The Dragon Ride was one of the first annual cyclosportives to be held in the UK and the first to gain a place on the UCI calendar. The ride is based at Pencoed, just outside Cardiff and has excellent road, rail and international air links. 2009 will be the sixth occasion this event has been held.

Promoted and organised by BreakAway Cycling.

The event is intended for experienced cyclists, unlike shorter charity rides this is not a leisure ride and should only be attempted by reasonably fit and competent riders. The event takes place 3/4 weeks before the Tour of France Etape participation ride; the Dragon Ride offers the only compatible climbs in the southern UK, ideal as training for the Etape.

The 2009 route will be announced in the Autumn. The start/finish will venue will once again be at Pencoed College. A major expansion programe at the college should provide a wider resurfaced starting area.

Ride distances will be similar to the 180km (Gran Fondo) and 120km Medio Fondo of 2008.

Improvements planned for 2009:
Improved traffic management for car parking, to eliminate potential delay to event start time.
Additional toilets at the start car parks and arena area.
Savoury food at the final feed station.
Improved route signage.






* source - Cycling Weekly.