Entries are now open for the 2018 edition of Dragon Ride L'Etape Wales by Le Tour de France.
The Dragon Ride will return on Sunday 10th June 2018, offering riders the chance to tackle epic climbs amidst stunning Welsh scenery. Each autumn sees the annual rush to secure one of the limited places in this iconic sportive which brings the Tour de France experience to South Wales.
Dragon Ride L'Etape Wales is now part of the global L'Etape Series, alongside the challenging L'Etape du Tour and UK counterpart TP ICAP L'Etape London.
Returning for its 15th year in 2018, the Dragon Ride has become one of the must-do sportives of the cycling calendar, attracting riders from as far afield as Australia, Norway and the UAE. This year, over 5000 cyclists from 14 different nations rode a combined total of 974,965 kilometres through the Welsh hills. Riders consumed 1,200kg of potatoes, 3,360 flapjacks, 11,200 bananas, and 1,072kg of jelly babies as well as drinking 45,000 litres of water during their cycling challenge. Next year's event promises continued growth, as organisers Human Race and A.S.O. further develop the Tour de France experience for riders, from the feed stations stocked with French savoury food, to the Tour de France style podium at the finish.
With four routes on offer, the Dragon Ride L'Etape Wales has a distance for everyone - the Macmillan 100 (100km), the Medio Fondo (153km), the Gran Fondo (223km) and the challenging Dragon Devil (300km). Starting from Margam Park near Port Talbot in South Wales, riders tackle alpine-like ascents including the signature climbs of the Devil's Elbow, Rhigos, and Devil's Staircase, and enjoy some of the most stunning scenery Wales has to offer.
"We are delighted to announce the details of the launch for the 2018 Dragon Ride L'Etape Wales by Le Tour de France - the 10th June is definitely a date for the diary!" says Nick Rusling, CEO of Human Race Events.
"With beautiful scenery, epic climbs and a fantastic finish line experience, the event really does have it all. It's as close as you're going to get to Le Tour de France as an amateur cyclist, and we're excited to create an even bigger and better event for 2018."
In addition to the main ride, the three-day and two-day Dragon Tour returns reflecting the same multistage stamina test that riders undertake at Le Tour de France. Riders also have the opportunity to sign up to the Rowe & King Dragon Ride L'Etape Wales Training Weekend and work with a world class coaching team to ensure they have the endurance and climbing ability to tackle the demanding terrain.
To enter, visit www.letapeuk.co.uk/wales/letape-wales.
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