More than 4,000 riders turned out for a sun-soaked, tenth anniversary edition of the Wiggle Dragon Ride.
The south Wales sportive, regarded as one of the toughest on the domestic calendar, was founded by organiser, Lou Lusardi in 2004.
Lusardi said: “Little did I know that when I started the event back in 2004 with 280 cyclists that it would continue to grow to what it is today.”
Five riders received a medal for completing all 10 editions, including Andy Morgan, who said the event had improved each year.
Some 3,653 riders signed on for the longest of the routes offered: the 210km Gran Fondo, which included 3,350 metres of climbing. Riders tackled the route in temperatures reaching 24 degrees.
A further 1,168 riders took on the Medio Fondo route, which offered 128km of riding through the famed Welsh valleys, and a climb of 1,875 metres. Organisers claimed a similarity with the relentless challenge of Alpine climbs.
Some 200 women rode the 38km Cycletta event, which has replaced the entry-level Corto route of previous Dragon Rides.
Prostate Cancer UK, the Dragon Ride’s official sponsor, received the backing of many riders, whose efforts helped to raise funds for the Dragon Ride’s official charity, which helps to fight the male cancer.
Nick Rusling, CEO of event organisers, Human Race, described the 10th anniversary ride as a huge success and said his team looked forward to continuing a great tradition.
