STRUGGLE DALES, HARROGATE, YORKSHIRE, 25TH MAY 2025
EVENT DETAILS
EVENT DETAILS
Struggle Dales 2025 sportive takes place on Sunday 25th May 2025 from the historic and upmarket spa town of Harrogate, Yorkshire, in the North of the England.
Struggle Dales has become an iconic must-ride cycling challenge for avid road cyclists. The route takes in iconic cycling climbs over some of the best Yorkshire cycling terrain and showcases stunning scenery in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
ROUTES
The iconic Struggle Dales sportive route is 175 km long over seven iconic climbs set within the Yorkshire Dales National Park's stunning scenery along the region’s best cycling roads.
Although there’s some challenging uphill segments, there’s plenty of fun segments too. Cycling Weekly reviewed it as: "Some of the best and toughest riding the UK has to offer."
New for 2025 is a 140km routes for those looking for a Struggle taster and a mega 200km Struggle Dales Ultra for hardy Strugglers looking to push past their comfort zone.
The 200KM route is now SOLD OUT!
You can still enter the classic Struggle Dales 175km route and upgrade to the 200km if a place becomes available for you.
CLIMBS
Struggle Dales takes in iconic climbs including Park Rash, Trapping Hill, Greenhow Hill and Malham Cove, plus many more iconic Yorkshire cycling climbs.
Simon Warren of 100 Climbs said: "Struggle Dales is an iconic must-ride event with epic 100 Climbs scattered throughout including the jaw-clenching Park Rash and stunningly beautiful Malham Cove. This is a bucket-list route for any rider."
175KM ROUTE
200KM ROUTE
The 200KM route is now SOLD OUT!
You can still enter the classic Struggle Dales 175km route and upgrade to the 200km if a place becomes available for you.
140KM ROUTE
REGISTER
Struggle Dales Yorkshire sportive isn't one to be taken lightly, but with prior training, grit and guts it's achievable for almost any ambitious road cyclists. Entries open on 30th November 2024. You can pre-register now >
USEFUL INFO
You will receive a detailed Road Book via email one month before the event, with all the information you need to take part. Here is some preliminary useful info. You can also check the FAQ below.
Start Time: Sign on from 7am. Start from 7:30am.
Start Location: Army Foundation College, Penny Pot Lane, Harrogate.
Parking: Free Ample Parking.
Accommodation: The start is a short drive or cycle from Harrogate Town Centre. Harrogate boasts a huge range of hotels, B & Bs and guesthouses to suit all budgets.
Getting There: By Car: Harrogate is easily accessed from the A1M when travelling from the North or South, or on the A59 when travelling from East or West. By Train: Harrogate has a train station with a direct connection to Leeds and York including daily direct trains from London Kings Cross. By Air: The nearest airport is Leeds/Bradford. The FLYER A3 bus and Arrow Taxis travel regularly between the airport and Harrogate.
FINISHER JERSEY
Order your 2025 Struggle finisher jersey to wear with pride.
Must pre-order! Jerseys are not available to purchase at the event.
EXCEPTIONAL RIDER SUPPORT
- Fully signposted route & GPX files provided
- Roadside safety and encouragement marshals
- Mechanical support and rider hotline for assistance
- Roving mechanical support
- Broomwagon recovery vehicle
OPTIMAL FEED STATIONS
We pride ourselves in providing what riders need, when they need it, so get around our epic routes in the best shape. Our feed stations are stocked with the best sports nutrition from Maurten and we also provide tasty energy bars from Veloforte.
CLASS MEDAL & BIDON
Every rider deserves recognition after a Struggle. You'll get one of our iconic Struggle medals around your neck and also go home with a Struggle bidon to show off your achievement on the bike.
COLD BATH BEER
Thanks to our partners Cold Bath Brewery, every rider can celebrate their achievement at the finish line with their refreshing 1571 alcohol-free beer in our finish village.
INSTANT RESULTS
While we're here for a fun time as well as a fast time, we publish results instantly as you cross the line so you can see how you fared and check out if you hit a Gold, Silver or Bronze time.
FREE PHOTOS
At Struggle you don't need to pay extra for a photo of yourself. We pay the best cycling photographers instead, so we can give everyone an epic memento of your pain face.
4 RIDERS = VIP
Rope in Reinforcements; get your mates on the start line with you. Create a team name and get your riding buddies to sign up under your team name. Teams of four or more get VIP wrist bands allowing them to claim free pre-ride coffee for a caffeine kick and a celebratory post-ride beer.
Testimonials
"What a route, what an event. Well marked, great feed station with top notch gels and bars, brilliant pre and post atmosphere. These big rides are much better when part of an event, when you share your experience with others, it drives you on all the more and I’ll certainly be back."
Frequently Asked Questions
Event Info
What support is on the route?
What support is on the route?
Our roving mechanics are on hand to get you back on the route should you have an issue. We do however recommend everyone knows how to repair a puncture and come equipt with the tools and spares to do so. We also have marshals throughout the route, roving medical support and well-stocked feed stops and a broomwagon. Our friendly team is there to ensure you succeed in completing your Struggle challenge.
What is at the feed stops?
What is at the feed stops?
Our feed stops are really well stocked with the best sports nutrition on the market from Maurten. We also have super-taster energy bars from Veloforte (vegan and gluten-free but contains nuts). There's also bananas and other grab-and-go snacks like coconut macaroons, Battenberg and Soreen. Our final feeds always have our locally sourced Lishmans Pork Pies, Maurten caffeine gels and mini cans of Coca Cola for the final push for home.
How fit do I need to be?
How fit do I need to be?
Struggle Dales is achieveable for any ambitious road cyclist. That said, it requires prior training and preparation. With sensible pacing, optimal fuelling, proper preparation and plenty of courage, its a challenging goal worthy of the hard work.
What are the cut off times?
What are the cut off times?
There are cut off times but these are very generous to encourage everyone to make it around the route. We suggest steadier riders sign-on the day before and start as early as possible.
What is at the start/finish?
What is at the start/finish?
There is ample free parking at the start and finish and toilet facilities. There is a coffee van serving up a pre-ride caffeine kick and we have post ride nosh and beers at the finish. There is no running water or showers, so please come with your water bottles pre-filled.
Where can I stay?
Where can I stay?
The start/finish is just a few miles from Harrogate Town Centre, where there is a host of hotels and B&Bs to suit all budgets. I'm afraid there is no camping/campervans allowed to stay overnight at the Army Foundation College.
Cancellation/Defers
Can I cancel my entry?
Can I cancel my entry?
I'm afraid we cannot cancel your place if you have entered. You can however transfer or defer your place. See below...
Can I defer my entry?
Can I defer my entry?
You can defer your entry to Struggle Dales 2026 or to another Struggle Event in 2025. You must do this up to one month before the event date. After this date we cannot defer your entry.
Can I transfer my entry to another rider?
Can I transfer my entry to another rider?
You can transfer your entry to another rider up to one week before the event. You must do this officially by emailing hq@ridethestruggle.com and providing the details of your nominated rider. You must not give your entry to another rider without transferring it officially. You must provide photo ID at registration.
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