Dartmoor Classic
Enter here: https://my.dartmoorclassic.co.uk/o/dartmoor-classic-79
2024 Date is June 23rd
HQ is: Newton Abbot Racecourse, Newton Rd, Newton Abbot, Devon. TQ12 3RN – Yes
There are three routes Grande (110 miles/9,000 ft climbing), Medio (67 miles/5,500 ft climbing) and Piccolo (38 miles/2.500 ft climbing)
The Dartmoor Classic is one of the few Sportives left in the UK run by cyclists for cyclists. The Mid Devon CC has raised tens of thousands for Charity since the event’s inception in 2007 and through our Rider Support Program (funded by the Classic) we have helped hundreds of Youth and Junior cyclists including current stars Harrison Wood (Cofidis) and Harry Birchill (St Piran). We also work and give to the Dartmoor National Park each year to support the sustainability of the event.
All the routes traverse some of the most iconic climbs on Dartmoor. The initial 5 mile climb takes you up over the Alpine style switchbacks of Trendlebere with glorious views over the Lustleigh Cleave. We then have a closed road Strava Segment up “Beckaford” with gradients hitting 20%, followed by the “Ice Cream Van” Hill of Haytor where Simon Yates and Wout Poels won at the Tour of Britain in years gone by. The “Piccolo” is our shorter ride that takes in the same start and finish as the other two routes and is still a real challenge. It’s a perfect appetiser to come back and ride one of the other events in future years.
The Grande/Medio head up everyone’s favourite section which is the climb of Holne Chase. The slopes hit 25% and the Mid Devon marshalls will be cheering you on to get you up and over. The route splits at the Princetown feed station (known for the tastiest treats served by the Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team). The Grande takes in a loop towards Tavistock that climbs back up Peak Hill to the feed station for a 2nd time. The Medio goes straight back towards Moreton with a (mostly) downhill run towards the last climb of the day of Doccombe (also seen in the ToB plenty of times). The final run down the Teign Valley is a chance to get some speed in the legs before finishing at the Racecourse to collect your goody bag and celebrate a massive day out at our event village.