TAVISTOCK Wheelers are backing the launch this season of the annual Devon Cup.

The cup will be awarded to riders' best of five results from nine time trial races.

The Tavistock Wheelers are just one of 40 clubs representing memberships of up to 100 each throughout Devon committed to the cup by incorporating the series into the following TT races scheduled from March to September. The Tavistock Wheelers' race will take part on June 18.

Also the Devon v Cornwall Cup will be awarded to the county whose top 15 riders subsequently race the fastest at the Camel Valley 25-mile time trial on September 21. This course has an especially fast reputation, where the best local club racers have succeeded in maintaining nearly 30mph average speeds for over 50 minutes.

There is no cost to the riders entering the Devon Cup series, instead the clubs pay the £15 fee that covers the end of season awards.

The series is open to all members of a Devon club affiliated to the Cycling Time Trials organisation, which have registered by payment of the £15 annual series fee.