PLACES are rapidly being snapped up for this year's Dartmoor Classic cycle challenge. The event on Sunday May 11 is a long distance, mass participation challenge for cyclists over demanding terrain, where riders can choose a 100mile or 100km route. Local cyclists have been urged to apply early as Devon County Council TravelWise has arranged with the organisers for 300 of the 1,300 places in the event to be reserved for local residents, who will compete for the Corporate Trophy. The reserved places are for Devon residents whose employers encourage cycling to work with Bicycle Users' Groups or cycle purchase schemes, or in any other way promote and support cycling for their staff by providing cycle storage facilities and showers. Places cost £25 for either route, but reserved spaces will only be set aside until the end of this month. Among those who have already signed up for the event are Stoke Hill Junior School headteacher Roy Souter, who recently bought a bike through the County Council's government-supported Cycle To Work scheme. He is going to ride the 100km route of the Dartmoor Classic with assistant headteacher Charlie Poustie. Devon and Cornwall Constabulary has also entered a team of seven riders. Last year's inaugural Dartmoor Classic was a sell out and proved to be a hugely popular event, despite taking place on the same day that the Ten Tors was cancelled because of severe weather conditions. DCC TravelWise is a funding partner for Dartmoor Classic organisers Mid Devon Cycling Club/Colin Lewis Cycles. To book a place log on to http://www.dartmoorclassic.co.uk">www.dartmoorclassic.co.uk
