CYCLISTS were out in force for Dartmoor Classic Cyclosportive 2012 and it proved quite a sight with 2,800 competitors and local club Tavistock Wheelers winning a bagful of medals in this competitive race.

Organised by the Mid-Devon Cycling Club and run in association with Specialized. The road racing started at 6pm from the Abbrook Park Sports and Social Club in Kingsteignton, South Devon before winding its way across Dartmoor.

The Dartmoor Classic is one of Europe's top cyclosportive events,with 2,800 competitors, all of whom are timed over either a 64 mile or 105 mile route across Dartmoor.

The race was up to the top of Haytor, the iconic climb in which Devon rider John Tiernan-Locke secured his title as 'King of the Mountains' title in the 2011 Tour of Britain.

Members of Tavistock Wheelers won over 25 medals at the Dartmoor Classic, all of which were either gold or silver standard, a noticeable achievement given that some members did not start joining club rides until earlier this year.

On the shorter route, 64 miles, Kevin Reynolds (Tavistock), Rod Stewart (Chillaton), Tim Woodward (Chillaton), Martin Williams (Tavistock) took gold, while on the longer route, 105 miles miles, Josh Bullock (Peter Tavy) and Martin Legg (Gulworthy) hit the gold standard.

There were some standout performances. Rod Stewart produced one of the fastest veteran times on the shorter route, Martin Legg, local bike shop owner, likewise on the longer route.

Pride of place went to Josh Bullock, who completed the 105 miles in 6 hours 06 minutes, averaging nearly 18 miles an hour on a course which includes many of the steepest climbs in Devon. Josh, only 19 years of age, finished with one of the 10 fastest times among more than a 1,000 competitors on the longer route.

Mention also goes to Rebecca Harris, who achieved a silver, when completing the 65 miles in less than five hours, a great feat given that Rebecca has only recently joined Wheelers rides. Rebecca said after the ride: 'Until a few months ago I had only ever used a bike for commuting round town and was obviously a little worried about joining a bike club, but the guys in the Tavi Wheelers were so welcoming and helpful, I have never taken part in an event like the Dartmoor Classic, but it was amazing fun and I am really proud of myself.'

Tavistock Wheelers holds regular Sunday club rides, details on the club website http://www.tavywheelers.co.uk">www.tavywheelers.co.uk