CYCLING enthusiasts were treated last Thursday, as the Tour of Britain held its first ever full stage in Devon.

The nation's premier cycle race went through Whiddon Down and passed North Tawton, Chagford, Spreyton, and Bow along the 110 mile route from Exeter to Exmouth.

The moor mountain climbs were dominated by Plymouth's Jonathan Tiernan-Locke, racing for Rapha Condor Sharp. He claimed the Skoda King of the Mountains jersey for his efforts.

Jonathan said: 'It was absolutely amazing. What an experience riding up Haytor having all people I know and the crowds cheering me on. Knowing the roads helped and the great weather, it was a perfect stage.

'I know them really well, but they're hard.  I went a bit too hard from the start, so I had to re-evaluate my effort halfway up, but tough as always.

'It is encouraging. It's only a couple of times a year we get to ride with the World Tour guys. 

'I've just come back from racing in Spain and had a good result over there and won the King of the Mountains, but it's a bit of a different level.

'As a small continental level team you don't get that opportunity, so it's encouraging that I can do it as this level as well.

'It's great all the support I've had.  On Twitter and Facebook beforehand they were all saying you've got to go for it, so there was a bit of pressure but it's a bit of a relief and I'm very happy to have pulled it off.  I've got to keep it yet though!'

Mark Renshaw of HTC-Highroad crossed the finishing line in Exmouth first, narrowly beating his teammate Mark Cavendish in a dramatic sprint finish.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for highways and transportation said: 'Devon has again been treated to an amazing stage of The Tour of Britain and people have turned out in force to show their support for this incredible event.

'The icing on the cake is having local rider Jonathan Tiernan Locke pulling on the Skoda King of the Mountains jersey. Everyone was excited at the return of The Tour, the atmosphere was electric, and the size of the crowds has highlighted the appetite for cycling. I think we have clearly demonstrated that we truly are a cycling county.'

Cllr Will Mumford, Devon County Council cabinet member for economy, enterprise and employment was equally enthusiastic: 'I think Devon has again shown that it is more than capable of hosting world class events and we can all take great pride in that.

'It's been encouraging to have welcomed so many visitors, which must benefit our local economy, and they will have seen for themselves what Devon has to offer as a premier cycling destination and active tourism destination.'

Mike Bennett, race director of the Tour of Britain, proclaimed the quality of the racing.

'This is the best Tour of Britain stage ever thanks to the weather, the quality of the field of riders, the way the race developed and the crowds in Devon, ' he said.