Nikki Elder and Stephen Purvis fastest at brutal 298km Dragon Devil at the 2026 Dragon Ride
The 2026 Dragon Ride delivered one of its toughest editions in recent memory. With reversed routes, fierce South Wales climbs and long exposed stretches across the Bannau Brycheiniog, riders faced a day defined by endurance, pacing and resilience.
Starting and finishing at Margam Park, all distances were sold out, and the new direction of travel reshaped the rhythm of the event, forcing riders to rethink strategy on iconic climbs such as Rhigos, The Bwlch, Devil’s Elbow and, for the longest route, the notorious Devil’s Staircase.
The Dragon Devil once again proved why it is considered one of the UK’s hardest sportive challenges. At 298km and over 4,500m of climbing, the reversed 2026 route made familiar ascents feel unfamiliar — and even more demanding.
Purvis and Elder conquer the Dragon Devil
On the men’s side, Stephen Purvis delivered a commanding performance, becoming the only rider to break the 10-hour barrier. His winning time of 09:53:20 set the tone for a fiercely competitive top 10, with Martin and Richard Evans locked together behind him and Rob Evans close behind.
In the women’s Dragon Devil, Nikki Elder produced one of the standout rides of the entire event. Her winning time of 11:35:25 was a masterclass in pacing across the longest and hardest route of the day.
Tipler and Crowell shine in the Gran Fondo
The 222km Gran Fondo — the classic Dragon Ride distaance — delivered fast times and tight racing.
Ben Tipler stormed to victory in 06:58:45, one of the quickest Gran Fondo times ever recorded.
In the women’s field, Elizabeth Crowell climbed to a decisive win in 08:11:32, pacing the reversed route perfectly.
Madden and Smith dominate the Medio Fondo
The 153km Medio Fondo offered a full Dragon Ride experience without the extreme distance of the Devil or Gran Fondo — but still packed in over 2,300m of climbing.
Daniel Madden flew to a sub-5-hour victory, while Ida Smith was the only woman under six hours, taking a commanding win.
A defining 2026 Edition
With reversed routes, the return of Devil’s Elbow as a timed KOM/QOM segment, and the sheer scale of the climbs, the 2026 Dragon Ride will be remembered as one of the most challenging and competitive editions yet.
From Purvis and Elder conquering the Dragon Devil to Tipler, Crowell, Madden and Smith dominating their respective distances, the event once again cemented its status as one of the UK’s premier endurance sportives.
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2026 Dragon Ride 298km Dragon Devil Top 10 Men
1. Stephen Purvis – 09:53:20
2. Martin Evans – 10:03:48
3. Richard Evans – 10:03:48
4. Rob Evans – 10:07:35
5. Calum Elms – 10:14:10
6. Jamie Laramee – 10:20:50
7. Russell Scott – 10:23:51
8. Ben Whipps – 10:25:44
9. Gareth Kelly – 10:28:09
10. Nick Clark – 10:28:15
2026 Dragon Ride 298km Dragon Devil Top 10 Women
1. Nikki Elder – 11:35:25
2. Caroline Buckland – 12:12:34
3. Charlotte Milligan – 12:35:39
4. Joanne Pollett – 12:42:27
5. Chloe Hand – 12:55:48
6. Kathleen Murray – 13:20:48
7. Phoebe Twigg – 13:25:53
8. Sarah Hollywell – 13:34:54
2026 Dragon Ride 222km Gran Fondo Top 10 Men
1. Ben Tipler – 06:58:45
2. Ryan Dummer – 07:00:39
3. Edward Cutts – 07:51:55
4. Tomos Packer – 07:57:23
5. James Bird – 07:57:31
6. Ryan Carter – 07:56:34
7. Joel Millard – 07:56:56
8. Tomos Packer – 07:57:23
9. William O’Connell – 07:57:34
10. Ben Farrell – 07:35:32
2026 Dragon Ride 222km Gran Fondo Top 10 Women
1. Elizabeth Crowell – 08:11:32
2. Jo Meek – 08:43:50
3. Anna Macfadyen – 09:30:48
4. Emily Milan – 09:30:48
5. Caitlin Beddoe – 09:27:29
6. Jasmin Sykes – 09:21:15
7. Laura Nagi – 09:13:31
8. Rhea Shepherd – 10:40:31
9. Olivia Moore – 10:34:54
10. Emeline Boudoux – 10:34:02
2026 Dragon Ride 153km Medio Fondo Top 10 Men
1. Daniel Madden – 4:51:20
2. Pieter Van Wezel – 5:00:09
3. Alex Molliex – 5:05:55
4. Simon Johnson – 5:12:50
5. Mathew Pritchard – 5:21:16
6. Gerard Watts – 5:21:17
7. Nick Briffitt – 5:23:01
8. Jonathan Reid – 5:23:48
9. Darius Sarshar – 5:26:09
10. Mark Robinson – 5:27:03
2026 Dragon Ride 153km Medio Fondo Top 10 Women
1. Ida Smith – 5:43:46
2. Bridie Salmon – 5:57:47
3. Leticia Melo – 6:04:29
4. Louise Osgood – 6:26:25
5. Rachael Malthouse – 6:27:12
6. Margot Ouali – 6:30:34
7. Eve Hewett – 6:31:51
8. Susan Hewett – 6:34:34
9. Claire Innes – 6:35:03
10. Fionaf Bell – 6:37:46
Link to 2026 Dragon Ride Results: https://sporthive.com/events/s/0aff4169-9f70-4d12-ad4f-b5e916268181
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