A GROUP of Kingsteignton residents have slammed the police and local cycling clubs after what they claimed was a 'shambolic' bike race in the town at the weekend.

They claim the event jeopardised the safety of both cyclists and pedestrians and that one of the marshals, allegedly an off-duty police officer, dismissed their complaints, threatening them with £60 fines.

The one-off circuit race was organised by the Mid-Devon and Exeter Wheelers' cycling clubs for youngsters to tie in with Sunday's Dartmoor Classic Cyclosportive.

Part of Exeter Road, the main route through the town, was closed on Saturday evening for about three hours.

Lynda Mullen, who lives in Exeter Road, said: 'I can't believe that this could be called an organised event. It was absolutely shambolic.

'Vehicles were having to do U-turns at both ends of the road because there wasn't adequate signage and cyclists were flying around having to dodge parked cars.

'There was no thought for anyone's health and safety.'

Mrs Mullen claimed that when she voiced her opinion to a marshal – who, she said, claimed to be an off-duty police officer – she was told not to be so miserable. She said that she – and others who complained – were threatened with a £60 fine unless they returned to their homes.

'It was bully-boy tactics,' she said. 'It was like we're in the police force, if anyone challenges us we will produce our warrants.'

Another resident of Exeter Road, Richard Lane, who could not drive to his home until 8.30pm, claimed there were safety risks.

'Cyclists were going around at nearly 30mph. One clipped a car then carried on - it could have been lethal.

'We don't want this event here again ever,' he said.

Ken Robertson, of the Mid-Devon Cycling Club, said safety was not jeopardised and that residents were only 'marginally inconvenienced' for three or so hours.

'Everything was done according to the correct procedures,' he said, citing a Temporary Traffic Order he obtained from the county council.

'Notification of the road closure was up seven days in advance and a friendly letter was posted to households informing them of the event.

'Prior to the race we only received two calls from residents asking what was going to happen on race day.'

Mr Robertson said many residents enjoyed the race and were cheering the cyclists.

A Devon County Council spokesman said: 'In this case, the organisers of the event contacted our highways department with the necessary information and documents and we processed a traffic regulation order as normal, after which the organisers themselves are responsible for signage and other arrangements to ensure the event runs smoothly.'

Event organiser DAvid Wilkinson, who apologised for any inconvenience, said the event would not involved Kingsteignton in future.

Police said they had no record of a complaint against an officer.