NEARLY 2,300 cyclists set off from a heavy mist shrouded Abbrook Park, Kingsteignton, on Sunday for the fifth annual Dartmoor Classic – those who returned several hours later were battling on in blazing sunshine.

Of the 1,120 riders who started the gruelling 106 miles of uphill and down dale moorland, 766 finished, while of the 1,209 who began the 65-mile route only 38 fell by the wayside.

While heat exhaustion played a significant part in enforced retirements, others called it a day through cuts, grazes, joint and muscle pains, suspected fractures or dislocations.

All were treated by the first aid cover provided and two who suffered fractures were taken to hospital for treatment.

The riders, some from the Czech Republic, Australia, France, Ireland, the Russian Federation, America, Netherlands, Belgium, Zimbabwe and Germany, began leaving Abbrook in groups of 100 at 7am, with all cyclists on the road by 9am.

The last of the riders struggled in to complete the 106 miles some 10hrs 49mins after they left Abbrook.

The event, organised by Kingsteignton-based Mid-Devon Cycling Club, is not a race, though individual times are recorded.

Those on the energy-sapping 106-mile route headed via Bovey Tracey, Trendlebere Down, Manaton, across the moor to Holne Chase Hill, Hexworthy, Two Bridges and into Princetown.

It was here that the 106 milers went off on a loop to Walkhampton, Horrabridge, Tavistock, Chillaton, Lydford, Mary Tavy and back to Princetown, before heading off on the homeward journey taking them up Pork and Merrivale Hills, Two Bridges, the Warren House Inn, Moretonhampstead, Doccombe, Chudleigh Bridge and return to Abbrook.

The 65 milers followed the same trail without taking the loop from Princetown.

At 81 years of age John Tedbury, of Dawlish, was the oldest to complete the 65 miles, which he did in 7hrs 23 mins, while Harry Clark of the Mid-Devon CC was the youngest rider at 13. The oldest woman in that section was 63-year-old Penny Clapham, of Christow.

On the 106-mile course Howard Peart, of Penryn, was the oldest at 69, while the largest team entry was 119 riders from the Plymouth-based club YOGI.

The organisation, planning and logistics of the event were mainly by a dedicated committee of ten people from the Mid-Devon CC. In addition around 120 members, their friends and family, 15 members of the Ashburton branch of the Dartmoor Rescue Group, members of Newton Abbot Rugby Club, a team of 30 from Specialized, three from Performance Cycles, four from Race Timing Cycles, and some six photographers from SportivePhoto.com all helped with the running.

Around the course there were 65 marshals to keep road-users safe and everything running smoothly.

The Depart Village, which opened on Saturday, was another great success, which has become a cycling expo attracting exhibitors from throughout the UK, as well as offering food, live music and entertainment.

Specialized donated a road bike worth £1,350 for a draw prize run by the Dartmoor Rescue Group (Ashburton) with the proceeds going to the group's funds.

Ron Keegan, the event's promoter, was delighted with the weekend.

'Once again the Mid-Devon Cycling Club has shown itself to be the master of event organisation and an avalanche of positive feedback from riders is testimony that the Dartmoor Classic is now, unquestionably, the UK's very best sportive experience.

'I don't know how many more complimentary hits our inbox can take without it going into meltdown.

'With representatives from 14 overseas countries joining those from all the home nations, the event's reputation abroad is clearly growing and its place on the international fixtures list is now firmly established.

'The secret of this success is the high level of passionate commitment made by the club's organising team and the enthusiastic support given to it by an army of willing helpers.

'Now the club, a number of charities and other good causes are all set to benefit from the event's income,' said Mr Keegan, who added that it had been a boost to the local economy, and the future of the event looked extremely rosy.

The date for next year's Dartmoor Classic is not yet confirmed but is likely to be the last Sunday in June.