Hardest Bike Races In The UK

Cycling in the UK has gained immense popularity in recent years, especially during the lockdown years - now everything is back in full swing, there are more and more riders looking to push themselves in bike races - luckily, here in the UK there are numerous bike races organized across the country. For those who prefer the thrill of a challenge than a leisurely ride, we have compiled a list of the toughest bike races in the UK which you can enter.

Dragon Ride L’Etape Wales

Considered one of the toughest and most challenging sportives in the UK, the Dragon RideL’Etape Wales is a grueling 300km ride that covers three mountainous routes in South Wales. The climb up Devil’s Staircase is considered amongst the most challenging cycling climbs in the world, making this race not for the faint-hearted.

The Fred Whitton Challenge

Named after founder Fred Whitton, this race is notoriously challenging, covering 112 miles in the Lake District. With the toughest roads in the UK, bikers must tackle steep gradients, technical descents, and grueling hill climbs, including the notorious Hardknott Pass. This ride attracts over 2000 bikers each year, all vying to take on one of the hardest cycling challenges in the UK.

Dunwich Dynamo

The Dunwich Dynamo is not a race but a 120-mile group ride from London to the Suffolk coast. Starting at midnight, cyclists brave through the night on unlit roads and varied terrain to reach the beach at Dunwich by sunrise. No race numbers, and no support vehicles are allowed, making this a unique and challenging event for cyclists who thrive in self-sufficiency - although most just follow the trail of red bike lights infront of them!

Ride London-Surrey 100

A relatively new ride, the RideLondon-Surrey 100 is an annual event that attracts over 25,000 cyclists from all over the world. The challenging course takes ridersthrough the capital's streets, up the brutal incline of Box Hill and on to the stunning rural roads surrounding Surrey. This ride is not easy, but the community spirit and support of fellow cyclists make it an event to remember.

The Tour of Pembrokeshire

One of the most picturesque bike races in the UK, the Tour of Pembrokeshire boasts some of the most stunning landscapes in the UK. But don't be fooled by its beauty, the Tour of Pembrokeshire covers 100 miles of the most challenging climbs and descents in Wales. This race is not for the faint-hearted; bikers must tackle steep gradients, fast descents and technical roads, all while battling wind, rain, and unpredictable weather conditions.

Cycling is not just about riding a bike; it's about pushing yourself beyond your limits, taking on new challenges, and discovering new places. The UK offers some of the most challenging bike races in the world, attracting cyclists from all over the globe to the above events and more. From steep hill climbs, fast descents, unpredictable weather conditions and challenging terrain, these bike races will test your physical and mental endurance to the limit.

If you are interested in the above events and need kitting out - we supply everything required, from a slick road bike right across to chamois cream.