Described as the UK’s premier cyclosportive, the 5th Dragon Ride Wales has launched a totally new website. From midnight on 27th December 2007 those wishing to enter the 2008 Dragon Ride will be able to use a new streamlined online entry system. The new website also offers people the chance to see who else will be lining up on the day, making sure that friends and family who promise to enter keep their word! Check out www.dragonride.co.uk.

After feedback from this year’s participants, organiser Lou Lusardi has improved the look of the event for its 5th edition. The 2008 Dragon Ride, to be run on Sunday 15th June (one week earlier than last year), features a new out-of-town start/finish venue at Pencoed, which will be a significant improvement on the previous ride into and out of Port Talbot. Pencoed College itself is only one mile from the M4 Jct 35, six miles from Bridgend and 20 miles from Cardiff.

Lusardi commented; “We found a new venue at Pencoed College, which means that riders have a flat section to start so they can get into the ride. This year, people felt that they went straight into the climbs and also had to deal with the town traffic. Next year we have sought to eliminate town traffic, and have been kind enough to give them a warm up before the climbs!”

Nevertheless, people who enjoyed the tough 120/180km routes from last year’s edition will surely not be disappointed. The route for 2008 remains largely the same as 2007. It will see the riders leave Pencoed, head over Heol-y-Cyw Common and then start the first climb of the Bwlch from the south. Last year’s edition saw this used as the final descent. Then the riders use the route from 2007 with the addition of a climb over Llangeinor mountain before returning to Pencoed. The new-look website also features a direct link to Memory Map. They can see beforehand details of both 120km and 180km routes.

For those travelling long distances for the event, the ‘accommodation’ link on the website will provide information on good quality places to stay. The 5th Dragon Ride Wales is also launching a new cycling jersey for 2008. Designed by the Dragon Ride’s organisers and Onimpex UK, the high quality BioRacer jersey will be available in advance of the event. Entrants can keep up to date with all news and features about the 5th Dragon Ride Wales on www.dragonride.co.uk. The website will be continually updated with news and helpful information for participants.