The Dragon Ride event saw thousands of cyclists from all over the UK and further afield descend on Brynamman to negotiate the Black Mountain as part of two routes in the challenge.

Starting and finishing in Margam Park, Port Talbot over 4000 riders set off early on Sunday morning (June 23) on one of four routes.

Two of the routes, the 296km Dragons Devil and 215 km Gran Fondo took in the 5.3km, 5.8% gradient epic climb from Brynamman to Llangadog.

Cyclist happy to reach the Black Mountain summit. Cyclist happy to reach the Black Mountain summit. (Image: Stuart Ladd)

The route started and finished in Margam Park.The route started and finished in Margam Park. (Image: Stuart Ladd)

The total distance climb of the Black Mountain was 5km.The total distance climb of the Black Mountain was 5km. (Image: Stuart Ladd)

The Dragon Ride is regarded as the most challenging sportive in the UK.The Dragon Ride is regarded as the most challenging sportive in the UK. (Image: Stuart Ladd) The Dragon Ride in in its 20 edition, having started in 2004 and is regarded as the oldest and most challenging sportive in the UK.

In fact, the Dragon Devil takes in no less than nine brutal climbs including the Black Mountain, the Sugarloaf near Llandovery the infamous Devils Staircase along with the Rhigos and Bwlch mountains.

Riders were able to raise much needed funds for the 2024 host charity Macmillan Cancer Support.

Despite the grey, drizzly weather spectators lined the route over the mountain to cheer on the riders.

Spectators were there to cheer the cyclists on.Spectators were there to cheer the cyclists on. (Image: Stuart Ladd)

Riders negotiated the notorious bends while going down the Black Mountain.Riders negotiated the notorious bends while going down the Black Mountain. (Image: Stuart Ladd)

The Dragon Ride is one of the oldest challenges in the UK.The Dragon Ride is one of the oldest challenges in the UK. (Image: Stuart Ladd)