A TEAM of amateur cyclists and two professional riders road-tested the Devon stage of the Tour of Britain cycle race last Thursday, passing North Tawton, Chagford, Whiddon Down, Spreyton and Bow along the way.

The fifth stage of the race will be cycled completely in Devon on Thursday September 15, starting at Exeter and finishing at Exmouth — 96 of the world's top professional cyclists will compete to wear the IG Markets Gold Jersey.

In advance of the race, Motorpoint Pro Cycling Team's Marcin Biablocki and Rapha Condor Sharp's Jonathan Tiernan-Locke set off from Haytor at 10am, with the amateur and pro riders being put through their paces to see exactly what the pro-riders will have to contend with in one week's time.

The route takes in much of Dartmoor National Park, passing through Moretonhampstead and Postbridge and mountain climbs at Haytor, Coffin Stone and Huccaby Tor on the way back to Exmouth.

Hugh Roberts, chief executive of the Tour of Britain, said: 'Dartmoor was a fantastic addition to last year's tour and it looked spectacular on the television coverage, so we were keen for it to feature again.

'With three King of the Mountain climbs on Dartmoor, we're certainly expecting it to be a memorable return for the tour and the Devon stage looks as though it will be as tough as ever.'

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for Highways and Transportation, said: 'Dartmoor National Park is wonderful cycling terrain, so it's the perfect setting for Britain's premier cycle race and a real test for the riders.

'We want people to turn out and support the Devon stage, and I hope they can be inspired by seeing some of the world's top teams who have just been competing in the Tour de France. I'm certain the King of the Mountains climbs on the moor will make for some of the best racing of the entire tour, and will attract plenty of spectators.'

The grand departure of the 2011 tour will be from Scotland on Sunday September 11, with the race finishing in London on Sunday September 18.

Daily highlights of the Tour of Britain will again be screened every evening on ITV4 from Sunday September 11 to Sunday 18 September.