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Didi “The Devil” returns to the UK for official Le Tour de France sportive

Didi ‘The Devil’ Senft, one of Le Tour de France’s most recognisable fixtures, is back by popular demand at Dragon Ride L’Etape Wales by Le Tour de France, on Sunday 10 June 2018

Thousands of riders who tackle the Dragon Ride L’Etape Wales 2018 will once again be granted an experience that, until last year, was reserved for professionals at the world’s most prestigious cycling race. In his famous ‘red devil’ costume, Didi will be sending riders off from Margam Park (Port Talbot), and cheering them on as they tackle the infamous Devil’s Staircase, with hairpin bends of up to 30% gradient.

Didi ‘The Devil’ is just one of the Tour de France experiences available to riders at Dragon Ride L’Etape Wales. With the Alpine-like riding of the Brecon Beacons, riders will live the magic of Le Tour, wearing French style racing bibs (dossards), and enjoying full moto marshalling, and the voiture balai (broom wagon) if things don’t go to plan! Once the hard work is over, riders can celebrate on Le Tour de France podium and learn about the history of the world’s most famous cycling event at an exhibition in the event village.

Didi the Devil, says; “This event is the closest cyclists can get to Le Tour de France in the UK, so it is my honour to support the riders. Wales is absolutely beautiful, but I love it because the climbing is very tough!”

New for 2018 Strava-powered segment challenges will take place on some of the key climbs and closed road sections. Riders will also have the chance to claim an official polka dot Le Tour de France jersey as the fastest man and woman to ascend the closed-road Devil’s Elbow climb, and be crowned King and Queen of the Mountain.

The top three climbs at the Dragon Ride:

  Devil’s Staircase: 1.3km, maximum gradient 29%, elevation gain 151m
  Devil’s Elbow: 1.82km, maximum gradient 17%, elevation gain 188m
  Rhigos: 6.1km, maximum gradient 9%, elevation gain 289m

To celebrate Didi’s return, event organisers Human Race are offering 15% discount for anyone who dares tackle the 305km Dragon Devil route; officially the longest one day sportive in the UK with almost 5,000m of climbing.

To redeem this offer, visit the website and use code DIDITHEDEVIL15 at checkout. To find out more about Dragon Ride L’Etape Wales and secure your place now, visit letapeuk.co.uk/wales

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Didi “The Devil” returns to the UK for official Le Tour de France sportive