Final call for entries to Kerry's classic Ride Dingle sportive

From Slea Head and Scott of the Antarctic to Star Wars, there can't be many sportives that pack so many cultural, historical and natural landmarks into a 120km route as Ride Dingle.

Taking place on 15 April 2023, Ride Dingle is set on the Dingle Peninsula on Ireland's south west coast in the county of Kerry.

Two routes are on offer, 55km and 120km, rolling out of the picturesque coastal town of Dingle. Entries are open now at ridedingle.com.

Slea Head, the most westerly point in Ireland, is first port of call. Film buffs will have a field day on the next section, with landmarks including Coumeenoole Beach made famous in the film Ryan's Daughter. Dingle Peninsula was also the set of Star Wars Star Wars Episode VIII, and the location of the old Jedi temple where Luke begins Rey's training in the ways of The Force.

A feed stop in Ballyferriter will fuel riders on the short course for the 6km run home to Dingle, but for those on the long route the day's biggest challenge starts here.

The Conor Pass is Ireland's highest mountain pass, and one of the most famous and difficult climbs in the country. "The 5km climb will leave the legs crying out and the heart rate pumping," say the organisers, "but it's all worth it with the fantastic, technical descent into Cloghane."

On a clear day don't forget to pause at the top to take in stunning Atlantic views of Brandon Bay. From here the route hugs the coastline along Brandon Bay and on to the food stop at Camp.

Next stop is Annascaul, birthplace of famous Antarctic explorer Tom Crean. Crean was a member of Scott's 1911-1913 Terra Nova expedition, and received the Albert Medal after a 56km solo walk across the Ross Ice Shelf to save the life of a crew mate.

You can appreciate Tom's heroics as you roll along the newly surfaced road into Lispole, before an undulating 10km to the finish line for a well-earned rest and celebration in atmospheric Dingle.

Entries to Ride Dingle are open now, priced €75 for the 120km route or €55 for the 55km option. Entry includes a customised finisher medal, food and water stops on a fully marshalled course, and a post race celebration with hot food.

Don't miss the chance to ride one of Ireland's most scenic sportives - entries close Tuesday 28 March.

Find out more and enter at ridedingle.com.