Return to former glory for Dartmoor Classic

A major revamp of the Dartmoor Classic cycle marathon has sparked the biggest surge of early entries for many years.

Nearly 800 riders signed up for next year’s 17th edition of the Classic within a week of entries opening.

It’s raised hopes that the eventual field, which will line up at Newton Abbot Racecourse on June 22, 2025, will be back to the sort of numbers which marked the event in its heyday.

Organisers Mid-Devon CC have given their flagship promotion an overhaul, on and off the road.

There are new routes for all the Grande, Medio and Piccolo rides, including a direct ascent of the iconic Haytor climb from Bovey Tracey and a new closed-road Hill Climb Challenge in the middle of the Moor near the Stone Age village of Grimspound.

There’s a new ‘Pixies Re-Volt’ section specifically for E-bike riders.

Among other bonuses are a free Classic jersey for all, £10 off the entry fee for cycle club members and free entry for anyone who raises more than £200 through sponsorship for one of three designated charities.

The Classic’s chosen charities next year are Dartmoor Search & Rescue Ashburton, Devon Air Ambulance and Dartmoor National Park.

Entry is available via www.dartmoorclassic.co.uk