EVENT DETAILS
EVENT DETAILS
Join us for an unforgettable festival of road cycling.
In September 2019 the world’s best cyclists will come to Yorkshire for the UCI Road World Championships - the pinnacle event in the international road cycling calendar. Through our role as Official Lawyer to the Championships, AG will be at the heart of the action and we would love you to join us.
We're excited to be hosting a fully supported guided ride taking in some of the route of UCI World Championships including the notorious Norwood Edge - a popular local climb and part of the Women's Elite Road Race. See how you fare ahead of the pros, while enjoying a friendly morning of cycling in Yorkshire's stunning landscape.
We'll meet in Harrogate the evening before for an informal private dinner in the company of Ned Boulting, before setting off on a guided ride the following morning, returning in time to watch the Women's or Men's Elite Road Race.
Where & When?
Dates: Friday 27th to Saturday 28th September OR Saturday 28th to Sunday 29th September.
Pre-ride Dinner: 7pm at Sasso, 8-10 Princes Square, Harrogate HG1 1LX.
Ride: Tea/coffee & pastries at 8:30am at the Royal Pump Room. Rides leaving from 9:15am.
Location: AG's Hospitality Hub, the Royal Pump Room, Crown Place, Harrogate, HG1 2RY.
Changing Facilities: Post-ride showers and changing facilities will be available at The Fitness Rooms at The White Hart Hotel opposite the Royal Pump Room. An access code will be provided on the day.
Night-before Dinner
We'll enjoy private dining at Sasso; one of Harrogate's best Italian restaurants. We'll be joined by Ned Boulting for the evening to hear stories and anecdotes from his career in the cycling business.
About Ned Boulting
Ned has been an integral part of ITV’s Tour de France coverage since 2003, forging a position within the cycling world as a respected reporter, presenter and writer.
Along the way Ned’s portfolio of work has expanded, annual credit includes coverage of the Tour of Britain and Vuelta a Espana. Ned is an eloquent speaker, confident host and facilitator.
Ned toured for the second year in a row his hugely popular Bikeology show, a one man live theatrical show about bike stuff. It was staged around the UK as a near sell-out.
Pre-ride
On the morning of the ride, we will meet at the Royal Pump Room for a pre-ride coffee and light breakfast.
Route
We'll head over Askwith Moor and descend into Ilkley for coffee and cake. Our route back will take us over the infamous climb of Norwood Edge.
Anyone joining us on Saturday will also get to see the Elite Women race up this nasty ascent. We'll then head back to Harrogate to watch the race unfold.
Feed
We'll stop mid-ride at The Commute Cycling Cafe in Ilkley to refuel on cake and get our caffeine kick for the ride home.
Mechanical Support
Pre-ride bike checks will be available during the morning by our expert pro-level mechanic. We'll then be supported throughout the ride, ensuring no one suffers a mechanical failure and everyone completes the ride.
Ride Leaders
Our expert local ride leaders will guide us around Yorkshire's stunning scenery so we can relax and enjoy the ride. We'll ride in groups based on ability, with our ride leaders controlling the pace. We'll regroup at the top of hills and no one will be left behind.
Post-ride
Post-ride you can re-fuel, relax and enjoy the Women's or Men's Elite races from our VIP hospitality hub in one of Harrogate's most iconic buildings. The Royal Pump Room enjoys an incredible track-side location and when you're not watching the racing, you can enjoy the best local produce fused with international flavours together with the inimitable style and service you've come to expect from AG.
AG Kit
Every rider will be given the official Addleshaw Goddard kit, inspired by the famous rainbow jersey of the UCI Road World Champions and designed exclusively for us by Official UCI Road World Championship jersey supplier Santini. Please view the size guide below before ordering your kit.
SANTINI SIZE GUIDE:
View the Men's Size Guide >>
View the Women Size Guide >>
SIZES AVAILABLE:
Men's tops (Slim Fit): M, L, XL, XXL; Men's shorts: S, M, L XL
Women's tops (Slim Fit): M, L, XL, XXL; Women's shorts: S, M, L, XL
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.
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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