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
23 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
16 June, ridethestruggle.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 GROU NDS 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 Alpe d’Huez
18 August
Eurotunnel return: from £150
This year’s Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will conclude atop the stunning 8.6km climb of Alpe d’Huez. Go along to just outside Grenoble, and zig-zag up the 21 hairpins before the riders come through.
5 …Or ride the Alpe on Zwift
If you cannot get to Alpe d’Huez you can always ride up the digital version – Alpe du Zwift – from
