A CYCLING race attracting top riders from across the country at Halwill Junction and Okehampton last weekend was dominated by riders from the UK's top teams.

The Totnes-Vire Stage Race took place over the bank holiday was dominated by the teams Rapha Condor, Node4 Giardoma and MG-Maxifuel. Rapha Condor rider Richard Handley won the overall event, followed by Team UK Youth cyclist Rob Partridge and his teammate Marcin Bialoblocki.

Handley covered the 144 miles in less than five hours and 45 minutes, winning by ten seconds. Bialoblocki finished seven seconds behind Partridge. Individual stages were won by Bialoblocki, Alex Peters of Madison Genesis and James Williamson, riding for Node4 Giardoma.

Race organiser Ken Robertson said: 'I think that the residents of Halwill Junction enjoyed the afternoon of cycle racing, especially those who were outside the local!'

The race origins date back to 1973 when the Mid-Devon Road Club first promoted a two-day event to mark the twinning of Totnes and Vire in Normandy. The race has had many formats over the years, and this year's event saw the 41st iteration of the event.