The Dragon Ride Sportive 2023

The Dragon Ride is one of Britain's most popular sportives. The 2023 edition takes place on Sunday 18 June 2023.

Now in its 19th edition, there are four different distances available ranging from 100km to 300km. The longest event is the Dragon Devil which involves 296km (almost 200 miles!) of riding and 4,614 metres of climbing - yet sells out each year!

In 2021 and 2022 the organisers decided to reverse the traditional route, and they have confirmed the same will apply in 2023 - so if you think you've been there, done it, try doing it backwards!

All routes start from Margam Park, Port Talbot, which has been used as the starting point since 2012.

Those doing the Dragon Devil should be aware that there are some serious climbs on this route, including the 'Rhigos' (which is a nearly 11km climb), 'Black Mountain' and the 'Devil’s Elbow' – the Dragon Ride’s signature climbs – with the new addition of the 'Devil's Staircase', a climb with a 15% gradient and elevation of 480m.

There are plenty of technical descents on the ride and riders are warned that these are not easy and should be taken with caution.

Entry to the 2023 Dragon Ride will be via a ballot which is now open. A limited number of guaranteed places are also available for purchase at an additional cost.

To sign up for email alerts when entries open for this and other top sportives in the UK and Europe, register free of charge at www.sportive.com/signup.