Climb higher
TAKE ON ONE OF THE UK'S TOP THREE CLIMBING SPORTIVES
The Alps, Pyrenees and Dolomites might be where your mind first goes when thinking about rides packed with climbing and beautiful vistas but there's also plenty to be had on your doorstep too.
1 Dragon Ride
Brecon Beacons, Wales 3 June, dragonride.co.uk
Entry fee: £25-£40
The Dragon Ride, set in the Welsh countryside, prides itself on being the UK's "toughest sportive". Distances start at 100km (62 miles), with the hardest option the 296km (184-mile) Dragon Devil route, with 4,614m (15,137ft) of climbing.
2 Fred Whitton Challenge
Lake District
12 May, fredwhittonchallenge.co.uk Entry fee: £99
This charity sportive is held every year in memory of Fred Whitton, the former Lakes Road Club secretary, who died of cancer in 1998. The 180km (112-mile) route takes in the famous passes of Kirkstone, Whinlatter and Hardknott, climbing 3,169m (10,400ft).
3 Struggle Moors
Yorkshire tethestruggle.com
Entry fee: £59
With a max gradient of 33%, the ascent of Rosedale Chimney Bank is the centrepiece of the Struggle Moors sportive. The classic 160km (100-mile) route clocks up a total elevation gain of 2,800m (9,200ft).
Bag an Alp
THE PROVING GROUNDS OF THE PROS, RIDE IN THE WORLDTOUR'S WHEELTRACKS
A rite of passage for any cyclist, climbing high into the Alps is unrivalled in terms of racing history, stunning views and, of course, abject suffering.
4 Honour the Alpe's Tour de France Femmes debut
This story is from the January 04, 2024 edition of Cycling Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 04, 2024 edition of Cycling Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
FRED WRIGHT TRUST THE OFF-SEASON PROCESS
This time of year is always my favourite, training wise.
Richardson hits the ground running in GB colours
Track sprinter wins two from two on opening night of Track Champions League
Claims against Wiggins's estate double to £2m
Briton’s efforts to pursue money through courts have been paused
Volunteers needed to revive UK scene
In the second part of our series on the domestic scene, we ask how a shortage of volunteers is impacting road races
CLASSIC BIKE BOB JACKSON TANDEM
Leeds legend's racing bicycle made for two
“I even tried hiding my power readout - it made no difference"
Watt's up? The Doc's stuck in a threshold rut
UK SCENE BARNES AND EEDY WIN IN EAST MIDLANDS
Hudson and Mills win North of England Championships in regionals weekend
WATT WORKS FOR ME ZOE BACKSTEDT
The youngest member of the storied racing family talks about her first pro victory and juggling the demands of road and cross
MAKING TIME! 14 WAYS TO SQUEEZE MAXIMUM GAS FROM MINIMUM TIME
Short on time for training? Rob Kemp shares smart hacks to stay razor-sharp on the bike while showing the schedule who's boss
SHIMANO RC703 SHOE
Mid-tier performance shoe that behaves like a contender