THIS Sunday sees the first ever Hatherleigh Road Race being run by Okehampton Cycling Club.
The club thought a race would be an excellent way to attract people into the region and remind them of the area, particularly since the foot and mouth crisis destroyed the Easter tourist trade. This has proved to be the case, with entries arriving from riders living as far away as the Midlands. Although the mid Devon area may seem rather unfriendly to bicycles in general, with its steep hills, it is a good region for competitions.
Phil Sage will be donning a jersey for Okehampton Cycle Club (OKCC) in the hopes of taking it to a high placing.
Other entries so far include multiple competitors from Penzance Wheelers, Mid-Devon CC and Cyclo-Sport Dynamo (Exmouth). This should ensure the race is team-orientated, whereby each rider from a club has a role. Not forgetting the many other individual entries, there will be around 40 competing on the day.
The Hatherleigh Road race will cover 103 kilometres which is seen as a fair distance for a regional event. Over such a distance there is time for tactics and manoeuvres to be tried in order to win the race.
Cycle racing is about more than being physically fit as marking‚ a favourite contender or riding according to your individual strengths can ensure success. Most competitors will be competent enough to climb hills quickly and settle into a fast pace while riding close to others.
Spectators are welcome to view the race but it is advisable to park away from the course to ensure good road safety.
If the 2001 edition of the Hatherleigh Road Race is a success it is expected the race could become an annual event. The only restriction might be covering the running costs of a race - so a willing sponsor would be desirable to secure the future of the event.