The 2008 Dartmoor Classic was a blazing success, with over a thousand riders enjoying near tropical condition on their ride through Devon's national park. In stark contrast to the inaugural event last year, when torrential rain had participants riding against the tide, the challenge this time was the heatwave. On the exposed moorland roads, temperatures reached a staggering 33c ( 91f ) in places, which had the feed station teams despatching crate loads of bottled water by car, to be handed up to riders on the move. Fastest finisher in the 101mile event was Bristol's James Richardson, of Fred Baker Cycles, who flew round the ultra hilly route in 5h 30m, while Mark Pollard, from Saltash, took a fraction over 4h to cover the 65m version of the Mid-Devon C.C. / Colin Lewis Cycles promotion. At the end of the day, a single car stood proudly in the middle of the event's overflow car park to welcome its owner back, a mighty 12 hours after he had left the Abbrook Park start. With an increased entry of 1300, many of them female, the event is now a popular fixture on the UK calendar and the organisers have even bigger plans for next year, when it will return to the Teign Valley and a little gentler route.

The inaugural Dartmoor Classic in May 2007 was a massive success by any standard. It attracted a capacity field of 1200, with places selling-out well in advance of the big day, establishing it as one of the biggest and best sportives in the U.K.. The atrocious weather which prevailed for the first few hours only added to the challenge and, for all who overcame the elements, it made the presentation of their Dartmoor Granite Award even more satisfying.

As Cycling Weekly columnist Huw Williams wrote in his post event article; The sense of achievement is always greater in arduous conditions and here it was huge. Anyone who completed the 2007 Dartmoor Classic will be dining out on the story for years. It takes a lot more than rain to hide the true nature of an event like this and it’s clearly a ride that will come to deserve its ‘Classic’ tag in years to come. The infrastructure is solid, entry and sign-on were streamlined and efficient, marshalling was impressive, food and drink was bountiful at the control points and there was even a trophy for everyone who finished. I don’t normally say this when I’ve been through hell, but I’ll be back.

But, don’t just take Huw’s word that the Dartmoor Classic is a great event, here’s what other well informed participants said.

A fantastic cycling event. Numerous marshals, great signage and plentiful food. Congratulations, I hope there will be many more to follow.

Andy Cook. British Cycling Active Recreation & Active Living Manager.

It lacked nothing. Course marking was perfect, the marshals were like road angels, the feed-zones were well stocked and every now and then we rode past spectators who would cheer you on. We’ll return.”

Steve Toze. Editor Shred Magazine.

I crossed the line to a round of applause and reflected on a fantastic first edition of an event that deserves to become a fixture in every British cyclosportif’s diary.

Richard Hallet. Editor Road Cycling UK.

With such glowing praise, for our first attempt, we just have to do it again in 2008, only even better. Therfore, given that the first edition was oversubscribed, even before anybody realised just how good it was going to be, you would be wise to get your entry in just as soon as it appears on the How to Enter page. You’ll kick yourself if you don’t.

More Buzz

I would like to congratulate and thank the Mid Devon CC for Sundays event, by far the best organised and friendly of any Sportif I have completed in either the UK or overseas. The Marshalling was 1st class and each Marshall deserves a big thank you for doing such a good job in the pouring rain.

So on behalf of the Coventry Road Club members who took part, thank you and well done!

- Rob Cross

This was my first Cyclosportive I enjoyed every second of it (even in the rain)! Thank you very much MDCC for a great day and I will see you next year.

- James P

Great organisation, great route and friendly and encouraging marshals. The weather only made me and my mates ride faster. The camaraderie along the road really was a great motivator too. Back next year, hopefully on a fine sunny day, for a nice easy paced ride! Thanks again to all involved.

- Phil Warner (Willesden CC)

Dartmoor Classic Partners

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