PROFESSIONAL cyclist Jon Tiernan-Locke said he was looking forward to the Tour of Britain 2012 and in particular the West Devon stage on Saturday, September 15.

The Plymouth born rider finished fifth overall and won the Skoda King of the Mountains Jersey in the 2011 Tour, but he's returning this year with a new team and with the aim of doing even better.

The Devon Stage of last year's Tour in particular holds fond memories for Jon, dominating the Stage, and winning a hat-trick of Skoda King of The Mountain climbs on Dartmoor National Park in front of huge support at Haytor, Coffin Stone, and Huccaby Tor. Despite his impressive performance he firmly believes that he could have finished even higher up the order overall.

'Last year I hadn't had the level of races to confirm to myself how I was going,' recalls Jon. 'I targeted a couple of stages and it just happened on the road.

He now rides for Endura Racing and This year's Devon stage (stage seven) on Saturday, 15 September covers 106 miles (170.7km) of the county, starting in Barnstaple and finishing in Dartmouth. Dartmoor National Park is again a major feature of the Stage, and it includes two Skoda King of the Mountains climbs on roads with which Jon is familiar, and he is fully aware that could prove to be an advantage on the penultimate stage of the eight day race.

Jon explained: 'I know all of the roads from Okehampton. It's going to be a brutal stage and I can't wait for it. The last four days of this year's Tour are going to be decisive and the climbs will be crucial. The Devon stage is an opportunity to change the general classification, and lots of time could be lost because, with the exception of Slapton Sands, there is no flat section at all, all the way to Dartmouth.

'As soon as you come out of Tavistock it's up and down all day, so it will be hard to chase and I would like to be in the thick of the action there. It's exciting just thinking about it because I know how hard it will be.'

Bigger crowds than ever are expected on Dartmoor and they are sure to be roaring on Jon at the Skoda King of the Mountains climbs at Merrivale and Coffin Stone. He's determined to put on another strong showing, not just in front of home support, but throughout The Tour which he hopes could provide him with a shot to go on and ride one of cycling's Grand Tours.

'I'm not going to be chasing King of the Mountains points,' he admits. 'I'm definitely looking at the general classification. Winning overall would be a big ask, particularly against Bradley Wiggins, and the rest of the field is stronger than last year. But because there's no time trial, whoever wants to win will have to attack and win the race on the climbs.'