Thousands of cyclists tackling this year's Dragon Ride sportive will enjoy the support of Didi 'The Devil' Senft, one of the Tour's most recognisable sights and a fixture at the roadside for nearly 25 years.

This year's Dragon Ride takes place on Sunday 11 June. Didi will send participants off at the start in Margam Park, Port Talbot, cheer them on as they ascend one of the ride's stunning climbs, before joining in with the celebrations and a cold drink or two at the finish line.

Didi the Devil will help bring the Tour de France spirit to south Wales on 11 June.
Didi the Devil will help bring the Tour de France spirit to south Wales on 11 June.

Now officially titled the Dragon Ride L'Étape Wales by Le Tour de France, this year's Dragon will be the first time amateur cyclists can ride past Didi as he jumps up and down in his full 'red devil' costume and bellows support.

Up to now, this treat has been reserved for professionals at the world's most prestigious cycling race - and a glimpse of Didi is just one of the unique Tour-themed experiences available on offer. Entrants will also enjoy live, big-screen coverage of Stage 8 of the Critérium du Dauphiné in the event village, alongside 360° virtual reality Le Tour de France immersion, a Tour de France podium and a TdF exhibition featuring a number of fetishes from the race's history.

Out on the course, participants - adorned with Tour-style dossards - will ride the sweeping, Alpine-like climbs of the Brecon Beacons, whilst enjoying full moto marshalling, Tour de France signage, electronic chip timing and, if things don't go quite to plan - the voiture balai (broom wagon).

Our reporter Philipp climbing the Devils Elbow on the 2016 Dragon ride.
Our reporter Philipp climbing the Devils Elbow on the 2016 Dragon ride.

As in the Tour proper, there'll be a KOM competition on offer with the fastest man and woman to ascend the closed-road Devil's Elbow climb crowned King and Queen of the Mountain. The winners will each receive a Polka Dot jersey signed by Chris Froome, free entry into the following month's L'Étape du Tour, including accommodation and bike hire, and VIP Champs Elysées passes for the final stage of the 2017 Tour de France.

Appropriately enough, it's on the hairpin bend of the Devil's Elbow where Didi will stake his pitch. The climb features 20% gradients and tops out at 446 metres so riders will appreciate all the support they can get - and Didi will be joined by a noisy crowd of fans from event charity Macmillan Cancer Support and a steel-drum band to help you to the summit.

This year's Dragon Ride is once again almost sold out, but a limited number of places remain on sale. For more information and to enter one of the UK's longest running and most respected sportives, visit www.letapeuk.co.uk.

Read our report on the 305km Dragon Ride 2016 here.

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