GALLERY: Hundreds of pictures as cyclists from around the country tackle the Dartmoor Classic Sportive

CYCLISTS from around the country hit the roads around Devon on Sunday as part of the annual Dartmoor Classic Sportive.

The event, run by the Mid-Devon Cycling Club, is one of the most prestigious open-road mass-participation cycling events in the UK.

Cyclists compete over a choice of three routes – Grande (107 miles and 2,777m ascent), Medio (66.6 miles and 1,830m ascent) and Piccolo (46 miles and 1,111m ascent).

All the routes start and finish at Newton Abbot Racecourse.

The famous ‘Grande’ race takes riders to Bovey Tracey, Ashburton, Dartmeet, Two Bridges, Tavistock, Lydford, Chillaton, Dousland, Princetown, Postbridge, Moretonhampstead, Dunsford and back to Newton Abbot.

It takes in some of the most stunning scenery to be found in and around the Dartmoor National Park, but also features some of the toughest cycling routes in the country.

Although it is not officially classed as a race, results are produced and Daniel Whitehouse completed the Grande in the fastest time, finishing it in an impressive four hours, 48 minutes and 20 seconds.

Jo Meek was the quickest woman over the longest course, completing it in 6:41.14.

Chris Butcher and Aleksandra Liudomir were the fastest man and woman over the Medio course, finishing with times of 3:18.17 and 4:01.25, respectively, while Luke Stray (2:37.21) and Freya Tomlinson (2:44.47) came home in the quickest times over the Piccolo course.

The event, which helps raise money for local charities, saw 1,251 cyclists finish one of the three courses.

Full results can be found HERE.

Pictures are low resolution and are protected by copyright so should not be used without permission.

VIEW OTHER GALLERIES HERE