4,500 RIDERS TAKE ON EPIC 20TH ANNIVERSARY DRAGON RIDE

The 20th Anniversary Dragon Ride on Sunday 23rd June 2024 saw a post-covid record 4,500 cyclists take to the roads of South Wales. Riders each took on one of the four routes ranging 98, right up to the infamous 296-kilometre Dragon Devil challenge. Starting and finishing from glorious Margam Park, the routes take in some of most stunning landscape in the UK including the beautiful Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.  


Riders had to contend with up to ten major climbs, from the short, sharp and brutal Devil’s Staircase to the lengthy, punishing Black Mountain. The Dragon Devil’s elevation of 4,433m takes most challengers over 12-hours to complete, with strong comparisons with the legendary L’Etape du Tour, explaining why Dragon Ride is established as the UK’s toughest sportive.  

 Helping participants prepare this year were a team of Dragon Ride experts. The line-up included broadcaster Rebecca Charlton, 2x British Champion Ed Laverack, professional bike fitter Nas Karimi and 6x Dragon Ride finisher Andy Brockway. Their mix of expertise gave professional insight and advice on a range of topics from nutrition to bike prep, and from mental preparation to recovery.   

Finishers were welcomed back to Margam Park throughout the day, each receiving a souvenir 20th Anniversary medal, with official Santini jerseys available to commemorate the achievement. Live music, hot food and plenty of drinks helped create a party atmosphere in the event village, with many taking the opportunity to grab pictures confirming their dragon slayer status.  

 Andrew Smith, CEO of organisers Human Race, said:  

“What an unbelievable day of feel-good cycling. From 2004 to today, Dragon Ride has cemented its status as the UK’s bucket-list sportive. It’s especially heartwarming to see thousands return to South Wales to celebrate the 20th Anniversary with us and getting to hear their tales of resilience and joy. As part of A.S.O cycling is close to our hearts, and we’ll continue to work together to bring that le Tour de France and L’Etape du Tour magic to South Wales.”  

After a hugely successful anniversary edition the Dragon Ride is set to return in 2025, with Sunday 22 June announced today as the date. A limited time 2025 Launch Window will begin on Wednesday (26th June) at Noon. All results and further coverage from the event can be found on the official website www.dragonride.co.uk