Top 10 Toughest Welsh Sportives and Gran Fondos for 2017
Wales offers some of the most breathtaking scenery and traffic free roads in the UK. Amazing areas of outstanding beauty, some of the best surfing beaches, coastal roads, Welsh culture and history. It's a paradise for cyclists and their families with so many things to see and do.
We've left no stone unturned and come up with with a list of the toughest one-day cycle rides in Wales, if not the world. These rides are exactly as billed, tough and for the experienced. If you've ridden the Gran Fondo Nove Colli, Mallorca 312 or Gran Fondo Stelvio, then these might be for you.
Whatever you do, make sure you add a Welsh Ride to your Bucket List and make it a holiday too.
10. The Yeti
January 15th 2017, Dyfed, Wales
The Yeti is brand new for 2017 and offers a course that would challenge the best of riders any time of the year, however it’s in a few weeks into January and it will be a serious challenge, so it made our top ten.
The route will reward riders with fantastic views that make the climbs worthwhile. Including the well-known climb of Devil's Elbow, including other even more difficult climbs such as Mynydd Epynt and the stunning Bwlch Cerrig Duon.
The Yeti has been created to challenge the best riders, at a time of year where inclement weather is very likely. Conditions may include rain, hail, snow, ice, strong winds, standing water and sub-zero temperatures. Anyone entering the event must understand that poor weather is likely and must be prepared.
There is a "tough" ethos surrounding the event, so do not expect a walk in the park. Not for riders who are scared of wind, water or snow. You have been warned!
Summary: Finishing this ride in the likely conditions, riders will need good technical skills, mental toughness and physical stamina. Just finishing this ride will be a badge of honour.
Advice: Read up on the equipment list required. A road bike with wider treaded winter tyres 25-28mm minimum, endurance or cx bike with 35mm treaded tyres. Watch out for those Yeti’s, best ride faster where you can!
Distance: 78 miles
Climbing: 2,500 metres
Link: granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/6245/the-yeti
9. The Cambrian Coast Sportive
September 16th 2017, Aberdovey, Wales
Set entirely within the Snowdonia National Park, the “Big Dog” route follows the coast passing beaches, climbs into the mountains and skirts around lakes and descends through thick forests, making this arguably the most scenic sportive rides in the UK.
Snowdonia is a sparsely populated part of the country, well over half of the route is done on minor back roads with smooth tarmac and where cars are seldom seen allowing riders to ride happily side by side.
Highlights of the route includes the spectacular Cregennan Lakes with its views over the Mawddach Estuary, the coastal road to Fairbourne right by the sea, the crossing of three estuary bridges and the mighty Bwlch y Groes (aka Hellfire Pass) which is the highest piece of tarmac in Wales and features in Simon Warren's '100 Greatest Cycling Climbs'.
Summary: Snowdonia is a beautiful place which should be on your Bucket List of places to visit. If you like quite roads and incredible scenery then this will be right up your street.
Advice: Pace yourself, Bwlch y Groes is a long, tough, iconic climb whichever side you ascend.
Distance: 101 miles
Climbing: 2,959 miles
Link: granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/5809/the-cambrian-coast-sportive
8 Enduraprep KOM
April 2nd 2017, Treforest, Wales
This sportive is all about cycling up hill. Four mountains you’ll climb twice to make you the King or Queen of the Mountains.
A mountainous out and back route that takes in some of the best climbs in South Wales. From the race HQ in Treforest the route hits its first climb in the centre of Pontypridd. The Craigwen road is over 11% and peaks at more than 400 metres above sea level.
Then onto three mountains which all feature in the UK's top 100 climbs, Bryn Du, Rhigos and the Bwlch.
At just over 60KM the ride turns at the clock tower in Price Town and heads back via the same route!
The inspiration for this event comes from an old Mountain Time-Trial which took place in the 50's.
Summary: If you think this is tough imagine what it was like back then. Steel framed bikes, shifters on the down tube, heavy woollen jerseys, poor road surfaces and no helmets. If they could do it, so can you!
Advice: This challenge is mentally as tough as physical. 3,000 metres in 75 miles is very tough. Only mountain goats need apply within. It won't be easy but remember 'pain is temporary!'
Distance: 75 miles
Climbing: 3,000 metres
Link: granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/6368/enduraprep-kom-2017
7 Powys Devil Sportive
August 20th 2017, Powys, Wales
Situated in Hay-On-Wye on the border of England and Wales the route heads into the Brecon Beacons with a climb of the infamous Gospel Pass that rises up to 550 metres. Definitely a climb worthy of inclusion on anyone’s Bucket List. The route continues south through the Brecon Beacons and turns west. There’s a tough climb just before Crickhowell. The route slowly climbs upwards over the next 30 miles through Brecon and Sennybridge. There’s a great descent down into Llandovery. Be ready for the next climb at Glanbran as the route heads north towards Bullith Wells.
The sting in the tails comes after 100 miles, with the tough climb out of Llanbadran-y-garreg before the final descent down into hay on Wye.
The event is organized by Drover Cycles who have a series 3 Sportives for 2017 in Wales and the West Midlands.
Summary: Great event to round off a summer of cycling with a route around the stunning Brecon Beacons.
Advice: Pace yourself, enjoy the view and make sure you put as much gas in the tank for the final climb which will be a tough test after 100 miles.
Distance: 109 miles
Climbing: 3,064 metres
Link: granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/6364/2017-drover-cycles-powys-devil-sportive
6 Continental Wild Welsh Sportive
May 28th 2017, Ceredigion, Wales
Sponsored by Continental Tyres, this sportive in one of the most rural parts of Wales promises quiet roads, challenging terrain and a very warm welcome to all visitors. It’s also Part of the Aberystwyth Cycling Festival weekend, 22-30th May 2017.
The Cawr (Giant) starts at Aberystwyth Bandstand before making its way to the foot of Penglais hill; this is the first and perhaps hardest of all the sportive climbs with a constant incline of nearly 7% for a mile!
The route then takes the riders along the coast which affords stunning views of Cardigan Bay with the sandy beach stretching to Ynys Las and on a clear day Cader Idris, Snowdonia and the Llyn peninsular visible in the distance. The next major climb up to Nant y Moch reservoir. The climb up to Nant y Moch is perhaps the closest thing Wales gets to an Alpine pass, including flower rich pastures with contented livestock and home to an abundance of Red Kites. This is a long but steady climb, 5 miles at a shade over 4.6% gaining 1253ft of altitude. The road takes the riders up into truly Wild West Wales, the Cambrian Mountains. This is an area with open moorland hills, forests, lakes and streams abounding. Once the summit is reached the road winds its way along some lovely smooth tarmacked roads alongside Nant y Moch reservoir. The route then takes the riders to the historic village of Devils bridge. Upon entering the village the riders cross over one of the most iconic bridges in Wales, the World famous tourist attraction Devils Bridge. From Pont Rhyd y Groes the route heads south though the surrounding area is home to the infamous ‘Beast of Bont’ said to be a panther or other large cat that was released into the wild in the 70’s. So riders would be advised to pedal hard and not wear wool through this area!
At the town of Lampeter, across the river Aeron, through Talsarn and up the testing climb; 2.6 miles at 5.9% climbing 819ft, before reaching the village of Cross inn. From here the route heads East then South East before once again crossing the Ystwyth at Trawscoed Bridge. The riders now head North West through the village of Abermagwr before turning east to tackle the routes final climb. The climb here is again steady, 3.2 miles at 4.9% climbing 848ft. This climb takes the riders from the valley floor back up onto the open hills, a sharp left turn at the top taking the riders onto a welcome 9 mile descent towards Aberystwyth.
Once under the inflatable Continental Tyres arch, park your bike for a well-earned goody bag, plate of pasta or bowl of Cawl.
Summary: Fantastic route along the coast and into the Cambrian Mountain past reservoirs, out running the ‘Beast of Bont’ and crossing the famous Devils Bridge.
Advice: Why not spend all weekend in this University coastal town to enjoy the thrills & spills of the Tour Series professional criterium on the Friday evening, the Consitution Hill Downhill MTB races on Saturday before taking on your own challenge on the Sunday.
Distance: 106 miles
Climbing: 3,081m
Link: granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/6419/continental-welsh-wild-west-sportive
5 Dragon Ride Etape Wales by Le Tour de France
June 11th 2017 Port Talbot, Wales
ASO recently bought Human Race under their wing to further expand the portfolio of events in the UK and worldwide. 2017 marks the 14th editions of The Dragon Ride as one of the UK’s most prestigious Sportives that has grown, evolved and endured the test of time. Last year over 6,000 riders took part.
The Dragon Devil is a serious test of man and machine and is not for the faint hearted. There will be a very limited numbers of places available for this option, so those who are keen will need to get in quickly. Those lucky enough to get a place will be well rewarded with an incredibly stunning cycling route which will take in the Rhigos, Black Mountain and the Devil’s Elbow – the Dragon ride’s signature climbs – with the addition of the ‘Devil’s Staircase’, a climb with a 15% gradient and elevation of 480m.
Have you got what it takes to slay the Dragon?
Summary: Not be for the faint hearted, you need to arrive at the start line in tip top form with 125 mile plus training rides under your belt.
Advice: Get your entry in quickly to secure a place, then worry about training!
Distance: 189 miles
Climbing: 3,437 metres
Link: granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/5760/dragon-ride-etape-wales-by-le-tour-de-france
4 Gran Fondo Bianchi Double Devil
May 28th 2017, Bullith Wells, Wales
The Gran Fondo Bianchi Double Devil is a newer event touted as an extreme sportive. The event is proud to use the name Double Devil as the route takes on the Devil’s Staircase and Devil’s Elbow.
The route is a brutal 121-mile ride through the Welsh Valleys, with two climbs that make your legs ache just looking at them. The Devil’s Elbow and the Devil’s Staircase are renowned sections of road, with the route winding uphill at a 25% gradient and almost hitting 30% in the hairpins. Needless to say, the route is not for the faint-hearted and it will challenge even the most experienced cyclists.
The steep gradients, challenging conditions and typically Welsh weather made for an exhilarating two day shoot for the Accelerate team, capturing the essence of what makes the Double Devil one of the most exciting sportives in Britain.
Summary: With a challenging course and Bucket list climbs, get a taste of Welsh cycling at it extremes, hopefully you won’t have bitten off more than you can chew.
Advice: This is a real challenge and something that you should not consider entering unless you are either brave, or a seasoned Sportive and Gran Fondo ace. Opt for the additional physiotherapy service. These guys will make sure you are fully prepared before the event and they will be ready to massage away your aches and pains after the ride.
Distance: 121 miles
Climbing: 3,726 metres
Link: granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/5651/gran-fondo-bianchi-double-devil
Video: accelerateagency.co.uk/crash-course/bianchi-double-devil/
3 Snowdonia Etape Eryri
June 11th 2017, North Wales
Now firmly recognised as one of the UK's very best cycling events, the Snowdonia Etape Eryri takes you around the best roads, views and of course climbs Snowdonia National Park has to offer.
The Snowdonia Etape Xtrem will push all your limits. With mobile support teams for your mechanical and food necessities, the route will take in all three of the Etape routes – the Canol and Mawr, followed by the Bach - taking in the atmospheric festival on the iconic Maes after every route.
Xtrem riders will get their hands on an exclusive Etape Xtrem t-shirt plus a bespoke goody bag.
Participants have 18 hours of daylight to complete it. Cut off times will be applicable for the event, which are set using an estimated speed of 13mph.This is one of the longest and toughest one day Sportives in the world.
Summary: This is a tough event but can be divided into 3 loops to break it down mentally and make sure your on target to complete it.
Advice: Sign up if you’re an experienced Gran Fondo or Sportive endurance ace. You need to be doing 100 miles rides regularly in training, with some 125 plus mile endurance rides under your belt before you reach the start line.
Distance: 222 miles
Climbing: 4,000 metres
Link: granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/6301/snowdonia-etape-eryri
2 Wales in a Day
July 22nd 2017, North Wales
Ride the whole of Wales from top to bottom in just one day. 190 miles of the best countryside Wales has to offer to a cyclist. This iconic sportive ticks all the right boxes.
The event starts in Caernarfon from inside Caernarfon Castle, which is a pretty spectacular place to kick off this iconic ride. After leaving Caernarfon riders will head up and over the Pass of Llanberis down to Capel Curig and Betws-y-Coed. From there you are directed across country along some amazing country lanes through Penmachno and onto Bala. On leaving Bala you heads towards Lake Vyrnwy, a stunningly beautiful section of the ride.
Keeping where ever possible to minor roads the route winds its way to the next feed station at Tregynon, followed by a quick downhill section towards Llandrindod Wells. Here once again you leave the main road and head towards Penybont and onto feed station 3 at Hundred House. Here riders will have the chance to refuel again before hitting the iconic Gospel Pass after passing through Hay on Wye. It’s still a long way to Chepstow.
After the descent of Gospel Pass it’s onto Abergavenny and the final feed station at the Llanellen Village Hall before the final push of 22 miles into Chepstow and a finish at the Castle.
From the picturesque town of Caernarfon to Chepstow, taking in the Llanberis and Gospel Pass this ride is not the easiest on the calendar but will leave you with the biggest smiles.
The event is run by Open Cycling who organise the Coast to Coast in a Day. Wales in Day and has moved from September to July, which has a bit more daylight and should be a bit warmer too.
For a Gold time you need to be riding this in around 9 hours. Riders can take up to 16 hours to complete the ride.
Distance: 190 miles
Climbing: 4,500m
Link: granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/6348/the-monster
1 The Monster
June 24th 2017, Carmarthenshire, Wales
The Monster is not your average Gran Fondo or Sportive. It is aimed at experienced riders who are bored of the standard, easy sportive events out there. It is for riders who know that total climbing is much harder than distance, and for those who think a standard 100 miler is a walk in the park.
The routes takes in the fantastic, remote and spectacular Mid Wales countryside. Featuring some of the most challenging and scenic, but quietest roads in Mid Wales
The new Ultimate Monster route which has a massive 6,500 metres of climbing has been designed to take the fittest, toughest riders to their limits. Starting from the town of Llandovery just after dawn and near the longest day of the year riders will need every minute of daylight to complete the ultimate feat of endurance. Along the way riders will pass some of the most incredible and scenic roads around Mid Wales including Llyn Brianne reservoir and Nant y Moch and brutal climbs such as Devils Staircase and Dylife.
Advice: This is for the very best endurance riders only. Those who’ve tackled the Gran Fondo Stelvio, Mallorca 312 for breakfast and are still hungry for the rest of the day.
Summary: The Monster packs a punch that will rip your legs off. Finishing this ride will be the ultimate badge of honour, like passing SAS selection. You won’t need to brag because the memory will be etched in your mind forever.
Distance: 186 miles
Climbing: 6,500 metres
Link: granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/6348/the-monster
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