The Etape du Dales is a cyclosportive held in May each year, in the Yorkshire Dales in the UK.[1] It was originally established as an alternative to the oversubscribed Fred Whitton Challenge; like the Fred Whitton, the Etape du Dales is a long day's ride over steep hills, and the proceeds go to charity – the Dave Rayner fund.[2]
It is ranked as one of the most popular and challenging sportives in the UK, covering 112 miles (180 km) with 11,500 feet (3,500 m) of climbing[3][4] and is considered one of the top ten rides in the UK.[5]
Route
editThe Etape du Dales route is considered challenging.[7][8]
The route starts and finishes at Wharfedale rugby club in Grassington.[9] The route has varied slightly over time, but now includes Fleet Moss, Tan Hill Inn (the highest pub in England), Buttertubs Pass, and Coal Road. In 2009, the route was 109 miles (175 km), with around 11,500 feet (3,500 m) of ascents;[10] in 2011, the total distance was 110 miles (180 km).[11]
A shorter, gentler route, known as the Presidents Ride, is also available.
Fastest times
edit| Year | Name | Club/Team | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Andy Cunningham | Wheelbase | 05:36:20 |
| 2018 | Andy Cunningham | Wheelbase | 05:48:50 |
| 2016 | Thomas Denwood | Harrogate Nova | 05:40:32 |
| 2015 | Andrew Blackwood | Shipley | 06:23:48 |
| 2014 | Greg 'The Guv' Ketteringham | Harrogate Nova | 05:53:22 |
| 2013 | Greg Ketteringham | Harrogate Nova | 05:44:07 |
| 2012 | Jon Sturman | Activ Cycles | 05:48:28 |
| 2011 | Jamie Laramée | Harrogate Nova | 06:19:45 |
| 2010 | Malcolm Elliott | Motorpoint Pro-Cycling Team | 05:43:24 |
| 2009 | Stephen Bottomly | CrossTrax | 06:04:51 |
| 2008 | Andrew Peace | Science in Sport | 05:56:06 |
| 2007 | Greg Ketteringham | Harrogate Nova | 06:02:21 |
| 2006 | Michael Pluckrose | TheEnduranceCoach.com | 06:10:34 |
| 2005 | Chris Young | Team Marie Curie | 05:43:09 |
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Etape du Dales, North Yorkshire – Travel – The Guardian". London. 3 March 2007. Retrieved 26 October 2010.
- ^ "Rides: Etape du Dales – North – Cycling Weekly". 26 October 2010. Retrieved 26 October 2010.
- ^ "Cycling Weekly Readers' Poll 2009: The results – Latest News – Cycling Weekly". 26 October 2010. Retrieved 26 October 2010.
- ^ "Cycling Weekly Reader Poll 2008: Results – Latest News – Cycling Weekly". 26 October 2010. Retrieved 26 October 2010.
- ^ "Events". 4 October 2010. Archived from the original on 25 January 2011. Retrieved 26 October 2010.
- ^ "Keighley RAYNET". Retrieved 13 August 2019.
- ^ "Cyclo-Sportive: Etape du Dales – North – Cycling Weekly". 26 October 2010. Retrieved 26 October 2010.
- ^ "Chris Beetham's report on the 111 mile Étape du Dales". 19 August 2010. Archived from the original on 14 March 2012. Retrieved 26 October 2010.
- ^ "Etape du Dales – 15 May 2011". Retrieved 26 October 2010.
- ^ "Etape du Dales cycle ride – North Yorkshire Year of Adventure". 15 June 2009. Archived from the original on 16 January 2011. Retrieved 26 October 2010.
- ^ "ETAPE DU DALES". Archived from the original on 20 February 2011. Retrieved 19 February 2011.