Media Release 7th June 2010

Verenti Dragon Ride 2010 is a fiery success story.

After what looked like the possibility of heavy rain at the 2010 Verenti Dragon Ride, the weather gods relented and the sun broke through to bathe the event in sunshine from start to finish on Sunday.

Former winner of Paris-Roubaix Magnus Backstedt and his Team Sprocket riders added some professional glamour as did former World Keirin and BMX Champion Jamie Staff who brought along his BMX Academy, but once again the real stars of the event were the public who rode in their thousands over the three course lengths of 190km, 130km and the new 40km, “corto” route.

The fastest time of the day over the 190km Grand Fondo course was set by Team Wiggle professional rider Ben Simmons with a stunning time of 5.40‟40”. He was followed in by a group of four riders led by Taylor Johnstone at 5.45‟45” and all separated by a mere two seconds. The best junior rider of the day was South Londoner Germain Burton with a fabulous 5.45‟47”!

“We have had a terrific event this year, I believe this has been the best yet in the history of the Dragon. All our supporters and sponsors have done a really wonderful job and we couldn‟t have asked for more from the public, their fighting spirit is inspirational,”

commented organiser Lou Lusardi of BreakAway Cycling,

“our partnership with Verenti has taken this event to a new level and we have great plans for the future.”

Also spotted toiling on what is one of the hardest but most rewarding of sportives in the UK were, Sky News Presenter Dermot Murnaghan, Cycleport.org roving reporter Howie Johnson and Cycling Weekly staffers Lionel Birnie and Simon Richardson.

Once again the Verenti Dragon Ride had its fair share of characters with at least one uni-cyclist entering and an almost as brave entrant riding fixed wheel, neither an easy prospect descending the Bwlch and the Rhigos Pass!

Work will begin on the 2011 Verenti Dragon Ride almost immediately, with further expansion of the start/finish village and some new and exciting additions to this well loved challenge ride.

www.verentidragonride.com

More Photos

Verenti Dragon Ride

Location: Pencoed

6th June 2010

This weekend was the famous Verenti Dragon Ride sportive which is known to be one of the hardest sportives on the calendar. It was based at Pencoed just off the M4 which is only a 45 minute journey from my home, although the route is not one of my local rides. I had entered in to the 190km Gran Fondo which was the longest option for the sportive and this would be one of my longest rides of the year. The weather forecast was hit and miss but on the day it was chilly to start but soon temperatures started to rise much to every ones delight.

I arrived nice and early although still had to queue for 20 minutes to park, I got kitted up and done the final check on my bike. I loaded all my food and spares in to my pockets, the only thing left to do was put on my cycling shoes and lock the car…hmmm S**t where are my shoes…at home! After ringing some of the Wiggle Staff and riders looking for a spare set of shoes I had no option but to go home and get them, luckily my dad met me half way at a motorway junction. So after breaking every traffic law I eventually made it back to the start area ready to roll off with one of the last groups for the Gran Fondo route…I was a little bit stressed at this point because I missed the first group containing all the fast riders who I knew would work well together.

I sat in my little group for a while before deciding to press on and ride on my own; I soon caught up with fellow Wiggle rider Carolyn Hewett and had a short chat before pressing on again. The next Wiggle rider I caught was Paul (Big Wiggle Boss Man) on a climb so had another short chat before setting back in to my rhythm. I continued to ride and over take people at a fair pace and I could see people looking at me as if to say your never going to keep that pace going and I will be over taking you in a couple of hours. I was thinking the same but still felt good particularly on the climbs, psychologically over taking people makes me feel good and strong when riding but if some one was to overtake me I would feel as if I was going slow(no one over took me all day).

I continued to pass people hoping that I would come across a group who would ride at a good pace so I could have a rest but this didn’t seem to happen as I kept riding past them all. I was still having friends shouting at me as I went past so I would slow and chat for short periods and I would also give a shout to my Local Welsh Clubs as I rode past. At the second feed station I stopped to refill my bottles and Rich Carter was there with his new Verenti Rhigos 1.0 so yet another chat and refuel and I was on my way but this time I found a group of riders who were setting a fair pace so decided to work with these riders. We were riding well but I was dropping them on the climbs but I would sit up and wait for them as I was getting a little bit lonely riding on my own. By the time we got to Port Talbot and had a steep climb to the third feed station I dropped them all again and decided to keep going on my own.

I was thinking to myself it can’t be that far to go as I’m rolling along on the big ring and then saw the 40km to go sign. I still felt strong and had plenty in the tank so thought right if a push hard from here on I will be finished in an hour. Shortly I was faced with the 2nd ascent of the Bwlch Mountain and you can see how long it is from the bottom with riders scattered all over the mountain side. I started to feel a bit slow and caught up with Sam Shaw from Team Cycling Plus magazine who I coach through my business (www.elitewales.com). He was matching me on the climb and riding well even half wheeling me at one point but suddenly I had my second wind and powered on hard.

As I was approaching the top of the climb Paul (The Boss) asked me if I was doing the big ride and my reply was yes, his reply was well your leading then! This gave me a second boost of confidence and I really started to hurt myself, I was descending like a maniac. I was on the limit around every bend and was determined to produce a good time if I was in the lead. I pushed the big ring up the last climb and furiously started to descend ignoring the caution dangerous descent sign…big mistake as I over cooked a left hand corner that didn’t seem to end. I was on the wrong side of the road locking up and unlocking my back wheel in an effort not to crash in to some loose gravel.

With the adrenaline pumping through my body I continued the descent and really put every bit of energy in to turning the pedals around. I eventually saw a sign 5km to go so really gave it every thing and then after what seemed a life time came across the 1km to sign. That was the longest kilometre I have ever ridden to the finish and I still felt strong crossing the finish line.

I had no idea what my time was, but I knew I was strong all day and still had the power to finish strongly. That was the longest ride I have done all season and any thing over 90 miles usually I start to cramp or tire.

I was ecstatic when I found out on Monday that I had the fastest time and not only this but beat Dan Lloyds record time! I finished the ride in 5 hours 40 minutes and 40 seconds. Looking back now I wonder how fast I could of gone without all my chats and stops around the course as well as getting caught up in congestion with traffic and riders throughout the day.

Overall it was a fantastic event with the weather to match! I can’t thank Wiggle enough for all their help and support they give me as an individual but also the amount of effort and money they put in to sponsoring these high profiles events for everyone to enjoy!

Ben

David Else from Road.cc takes in some of Hampshire’s highlights on the Mega Meon route and and interviews Martin Barden ukcyclingevents.co.uk organiser.

To place your entry follow the link

Wiggle Super Series Mega Meon Sportive Epic Route
Wiggle Super Series Mega Meon Sportive Standard Route
Wiggle Super Series Mega Meon Sportive Fun Route

UK Cycling Events launch a rider Loyalty Card for riders of the Wiggle Super Series.

UK Cycling Events in association with High5 and Wiggle, are proud to launch the first ever cycling events loyalty card! To say thank-you to the loyal riders of the Wiggle Super Series, the event organisers – UK Cycling Events, are offering some cracking free gifts to riders who regularly take part. These include: dhb riding glasses, High5 Race Faster Packs and free entry to any Wiggle Super Series Event.

The popular Wiggle Super Series has 13 sportive and mountain bike events, taking place from prestigious locations across the South. The loyalty card is just one of the ways that UK Cycling Events are trying to make the Super Series stand out. Martin Barden of UK Cycling Events said:

“We are thrilled to have launched our loyalty card. At the 5 events we have done so far this year, we were starting to see some regular riders, so it seemed like the obvious thing to do. We wanted to say thank-you for their support and we hope this will further enhance their experience of our events”

The Wiggle Super Series event videos, already have a cult following amongst riders. The first 5 event videos have already been watched by over 6000 riders. These short films are a great memento for the riders and give future participants an idea of what an event includes.

The loyalty card will kick off at the next Wiggle Super Series event – Sussex Surrey Scramble on the 30th May, starting in Pulborough, West Sussex. The card will be valid for 3 years and is sure to encourage people to get out and ride!

This weekend a few guys from Marketing and Merchandising decided to tackle the Bournemouth Sportive standard route. Despite a fair few of us being plagued by man flu and the weather taking a turn for the worst we headed off at 9am for one fantastic day out on the Verenti bikes.

Not having ridden a road bike, and not doing any preparation as to what I was letting myself in for I straddled my Rhigos 3 for the day and took off with the guys. Getting used to the Rhigos 03 took minutes and I was starting to increase my speed and keep up with the lads, as the miles ticked by the first feed station was a welcome break, fueling up on Jelly Beans, High 5 and energy bars I was ready for the next stage of the course…. Hills!!!

The following 20 miles or so we encountered some interesting climbs which gave way to some superb descents. Surefooted and confident was the feeling I experienced from the Rhigos and I was quite happy to break away from the group and put the power down nearly achieving 40mph on one of the descents before my more reserved side told me to ease off a bit. Coming from a MTB background I was surprised on how rapid the bike accelerates and handles, particularly in the wet!

70 miles down and I’m feeling good..tired, but good! A few muscle spasms in the quads but noting to really worry about, I think this is due to shear amount of mileage acheived, bearing in mind this was something I had never encountered before, I’m more used to 10-15 mile off road jaunts!

After 76 miles we all crossed the finish line in bronze time, this was good enough for me and my first ever outing on a road bike, I can’t thank ukcyclingevents.co.uk enough for a superbly marked out and organised course/event. I’m really looking forward to cutting my teeth on a 100 miler now!

Simsy

Preview ride – The Verenti Magnificat Sportive

Accepting an invitation to attend the press preview ride of the Magnificat was an easy decision for Dave Lee, or so he thought. It suddenly dawned on him that 127 miles around the North Downs was not going to be a walk in the park and so it proved !

Arriving at Newbury race course you can’t help but be impressed by the grandeur of the event HQ. Greeted by organisers and fellow riders, the local Mayor mixes with all, prior to the photo call.

There appears to be something on offer for everyone on Sunday 13th June 2010, from the Kiddicat 1.9 mile circuit within the race course, a 51 mile Communicat, the 80 mile Route80Cat, up to the full fat Magnificat, 127 miles with 2800m of climbing.

The event organisers have gathered sponsorship from Verenti bikes, Torq energy products and Mavic. Verenti bikes were on show, Torq goodie bag with gels and powders provided for the ride and Mavic provided roadside mechanical assistance – result.

Having not ridden in this area before, Dave was pleasantly surprised as the route left the suburbs and was soon in quiet lanes and before too long the road rose up onto Walbury Hill. Lungs receive a rude awakening but rewarded with impressive views across chalky fields, sweeping descents, repeat several times, add riding through some beautiful picturesque villages, this was to be the lasting memory to the first feed at the 40 mile mark.

The feed station provided for the preview riders, just after Stockbridge, was an impressive affair, the selection available would actually put some official stops on other events to shame.

Before too long and the ride continues, the route skirts around Winchester, more lovely climbs on quiet lanes and immediately before Petersfield the route thankfully starts heading north and gives you a comforting feeling that you are now on the return leg! You enter a village called Steep, no, surely not ? But yes you start a 2 mile climb, thankfully not too steep, just enough to extract more from your fast reducing energy stores. As the 80 mile mark approaches the second feed can’t come soon enough, again a sportive feast, sandwiches, cake, flapjack, salted biscuits and energy products.

The final third and reassured that there are only 2 recognised climbs to tackle on the route back to Newbury, riders set off to breach the usual Sportive 100 mile marker and beyond. Either the organisers have a few digits missing or they didn’t want to worry their assembled ‘press’ but there were more than 2 climbs to negotiate before the refuge of the race course. Ok admittedly the other climbs were perhaps only just more than undulations but the cumulative effect gives them a ‘col’ appearance.

On the run in, the road signs play tricks on a tired mind, when a fingerpost pointing left indicates 5 miles to Newbury and the course turns right in the opposite direction!!! Riders should dig deep, only a few undulations now, then as you reach Greenham Common, push on, you will recognise the next roundabout as the point that completes the full circle and all that is left is to enjoy the descent to the HQ.

Riders should give themselves a pat on the back, completion of this ride is a success. No one or two monster climbs, but a mix of short sharp climbs and long drags all contribute to weary legs. Getting nutrition and a fluid strategy is essential. This is a fantastic ride, the weather obviously contributes to the feel good factor. If there are sunny, cloudless skies on the 13th June 2010 then entrants are in for a treat.

Don’t try this at home folks. Just pleased to be there, when Dave is asked if he would ride a Verenti Rhigos 03 test bike on the preview ride he feels compelled to accept. On reflection, 127 miles on a new bike, unfamiliar saddle, using Sram gearing for the first time is crazy. All that said after about an hour Dave had got used to the Sram gearing and after the full ride, had to conclude that it had been a very comfy ride. The carbon frame gave a forgiving smooth ride, the Sportive specific geometry giving the rider a more comfortable upright position.

In conclusion this is a challenge not to be entered into lightly, set off too quickly at your peril ! This is a top event and has various options tailored to varying standards of riders, choose wisely!

To book your place in this superb event visit www.cyclegb.co.uk/news/verenti

Team Wiggle Weekend Round-up

It was again a busy weekend for Team Wiggle with two 3rd place podiums and and two 2nd place wins!

This weekend saw Lee Williams racing at round 2 of the British mountain bike series in Wasing Park near Reading. After a successful round 1 in Sherwood Pines where he placed 2nd, Lee was going into this race trying to make it one better. On the Saturday evening Lee again joined up with xcracer.com for the team relay which we they won for the 2nd time. Then on the Sunday was Lee’s main race. However, his legs struggled to stay with the early pace of the race and ended up having to spend the last 4 laps of the 6 lap race fighting his way for the podium which he is pleased with getting just 30 seconds off 2nd place.

Lee Said

“I would have liked to have felt a bit better for the race but a heavy session on Thursday left me feeling it in my legs come race day, an all I could do was give it my best. Positives are that I’ll learn from my mistake and I will be better prepared for round 3, where I will enter as the current series leader!”

Congratulations also to Matthew Page who placed 3rd at the British Mountain Bike Series in Wasing, Matthew’s third place sat him with a matter of seconds between 1, 2 & 3.

Matthew advised this was

“not a great course for me, one for the power riders! I did everything I could, so can’t ask for anymore. very frustrating!”

Also a well deserved 2nd place was awarded for Ben Simmons in the Abergavenny handicap road race on Sunday.

Africa Mason Wiggle sponsored Triathlete had another successful and busy weekend – on Saturday it was County Athletics at Bournemouth (running 300m & 1500m) where she came 2nd (silver medal) in the 1500m.
Today (Sunday) she won the South West Biathlon (separate run and swim) in the Youth B Girls age group at Millfield: This now means she’s through to British Championships up in Liverpool in July. She also got best run! – another convincing win, with a PB!

If you’re looking for some sportive action over the weekend we have the Wiggle Super Series Bournemouth Sportive taking place on the 16th May!

2 tickets for a special price – perfect for you and a friend. Sun, Sea and Cycling… Set in the seaside town of Bournemouth this is a stunning sportive across the 3 Counties of Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire.

2 x Tickets for £30 Standard Route 76 Miles
2 x Tickets for £35 Epic Route 100 Miles

The route balances quiet roads, sublime scenery, and the challenge of the 3 quality climbs of, Win Green, Bulbarrow and Milton Abbas. You will enjoying the panoramic views of distant Somerset from Dorset’s highest point Bulbarrow, the picture postcard view of Milton Abbey School Playing Fields on the way down and the model village of Milton Abbas going up the climb of the same name.

Starting from the popular and easy to find tourist attraction of ‘Adventure Wonderland’ the route goes north towards Salisbury, over to Shaftsbury, before heading to the stunning villages, quite lanes and hills of the north Dorset Downs and home. The route takes in villages such as Rockbourne, Ebbesborne Wake, Fontwell Magna, Fiddleford, Hilton, Winterbourne Stickland, Tarrant Rushton (home of “The Cliff” ).

Either route will take you on peaceful roads and through secluded villages around beautiful Cranborne Chase, tried and tested by Bournemouth Arrow Cycling Club riders who invite you to come and share the experience.

The event includes all the sophistication you would expect, including: electronic timing, well stocked feed stations, tarmac parking, free energy products, event photography, toilets, mechanical support, bike wash facilities and most importantly an extremely well marked course!

So all you need to do is turn up and ride!

Last call for Verenti Cornwall Tor entries

There are just a few days left to get your entries in for the Verenti Cornwall Tor cyclosportive which takes place on Sunday (May 16th). The long route option is the only true coast to coast one day cyclosportive in the UK – you’ll visit ITV Doc Martin’s picturesque Port Isaac on the Atlantic coast and then, eventually, idyllic Looe on the English Channel. Before, after and in between there is mile after mile of gorgeous and peaceful Cornish countryside. There’s more – Kilo To Go have looked very closely at the routes, the roads and terrain. With safety and enjoyment in mind and by keeping the best and most popular parts from past Tors they have added some exciting new territory to the routes. This has also made the ride accessible to a wider range of participants.

There’s now a more gentle run-in to the finish to help wind riders down rather than up! Another improvement is that with many hundreds of riders on the road a general move to clearer, wider but not busier roads. Compared to previous Tors, after riding the 2010 Tor we think you’re going to feel less like you have just done 10 rounds with Mike Tyson or given birth to triplets – two genuine comparisons from previous Tor survivors incidentally. Do remember, it’s virtually impossible to have anything but a seriously tough cycling challenge in Cornwall due to it’s spectacularly hilly terrain.

Deadline for entries is this Sunday (May 9th), so what are you waiting for? Get online at KILO TO GO and get on yer bike! In previous years, demand has outstripped supply, so don’t delay – enter today.

What a superb weekend for all competitiors of the Wiggle Enduro 6 & Thunder Run 10k Event. We have now received all the results in from Patrick Adams event organiser. Please see them listed in event order below.

Congratulations to all who competed, see you next year!

Results table available at the Wiggle events page, All Results Open up in a separate Excel Document

 

Wiggle Super Series Bournemouth Sportive preview

Pleasant riding around Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset with a bit of a bite

Posted: 30 April 2010 by Richard Hallett

The 2010 Wiggle Super Series of road cyclosportives, sponsored by the online retailer of that name, comprises eight events with the first, the Jurassic Beast, starting from Dorchester in Dorset and taking place on 2nd May. The next is the Bournemouth Arrow Sportive, named, for those new to the sport, not in homage to the semi-classic pro race known as the Fleche Wallonne or Walloon Arrow, but in honour of the eponymous Bournemouth-based cycling club.

It will be run on 16th May and starts from the outskirts of Bournemouth International Airport at the easy-to-find tourist attraction of ‘Adventure Wonderland’. RCUK joined members of the Bournemouth Arrow for a recce of the standard course, which covers around 75 miles compared to the 96 miles of the full-length Epic. Oddly enough we measured closer to 85 miles for the ride; be prepared.

The ride starts steadily with a trot up the eastern side of the Avon to Ringwood, where a sequence of back doubles takes it across the A31 trunk road and into some of the loveliest scenery in southern England, right on the edge of the New Forest. All too soon it crosses back across the river at Fordingbridge and enters the rolling downs south of Salisbury, which is where the fun starts. A seemingly-endless gentle drag ends with a short ramp to Rockbourne Down and a main road descent towards Salisbury.

Just before it gets there, the route, based on a favourite Bournemouth Arrow training run, takes a sharp left and follows the valley of the Ebbesbourne, climbing steadily for miles until, just east of Shaftesbury, it turns south past Donhead St Mary and tackles the first “quality climb” of the day. Sharp and not so short, it is the first of three big ‘uns on the Epic ride – others being the Bulbarrow and Milton Abbas – and the only one of the three to feature in the Standard.

That’s not to suggest that the Standard lacks climbing after Win Green. There’s a fast drop into and stiff climb out of a valley just before the ride avoids the descent to Fontmell Magna and, instead, scoots across Cranborne Chase. After visiting the various Tarrants, it ascends “the cliff” out of Tarrant Rushton, a long, curving climb of a gradient that after 65 miles or so will feel decidedly challenging.

Having crossed the River Allen, the Standard and Epic both head through lumpy country to Verwood, passing picture-postcard cottages straight out of Hansel and Gretel. Tired legs will feel the long, draggy road out of Verwood across Ringwood Forest but the ride sidesteps Ringwood itself to take what is claimed to be the smoothest five miles of Tarmac in Hampshire. This undulating minor road runs alongside the main A338, depositing riders back at the village of Hurn with a mere mile to go to the event headquarters and a well-earned finish.

While never outrageously hard, even the Standard ride is challenging enough, if ridden with a bit of pace, to leave our recce group glad to climb off the bike. Throw in the two quality climbs and extra 20-odd miles of the Epic and the Bournemouth Arrow Sportive route will not disappoint.

The event includes: electronic timing, well stocked feed stations, tarmac parking, free energy products, event photography, toilets, mechanical support, bike wash facilities and, most importantly, an extremely well marked course.

Epic Gold –

http://connect.garmin.com/player/30215085

http://connect.garmin.com/player/30215247

For ride details and online entry through wiggle, visit www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk