THE annual running of the Dartmoor Classic cycle run last week offered two difficult routes across the moors.

The longer 105 mile route passes through Tavistock on its way back to Newton Abbot whilst the 68 mile route turned eastward at Princetown. Riding conditions were difficult with strong winds and gusty rain hampering all of the cyclists. 

However, these conditions did not prevent more than 40 Tavistock Wheelers from taking part. In the shorter race Will Johnson, at only 16 years of age, posted the fastest man's time while Dee Richards was the fastest woman. These are superb achievements - with more than 2500 people taking part in the shorter race.

Lee Adams, Matt Adams, Oli Amman and Peter Jarman also achieved gold medal times at this distance. The fact that so many female riders from the club took part is a good indication of the increased strength and diversity of the Tavistock Wheelers.

Those doing the 105 mile event faced even tougher handicaps in respect of the weather. Dan Strong and Phil Collings finished in 6 hours 38 minutes while Rod Stewart achieved a gold medal time for his age group by finishing in under seven hours.