Event: 23 June 2013
Location: Exeter Racecourse, Devon
Having recently filled all 3000 places in record time, a new headquarters venue will welcome riders at next June’s Dartmoor Classic sportive. By moving the ‘Depart Village’, from Abbrook Park, to nearby Newton Abbot Racecourse, the Mid-Devon C.C’s. flagship promotion will now avoid the uncertainties posed by anticipated land development at the event’s traditional home.
With the number of participants and supporters increasing year on year, the move is in the best interest of the event’s future.” says Steve Sanders, the club’s site manager for the prestigious fixture.
“Of the four possible alternatives to Abbrook, the racecourse was always our first choice and we’re delighted with the positive response we’ve received from Pat Masterson, the venue’s managing director.”
A little less than two miles from the original start, the racecourse is an unrivalled venue in the area and visitors to the classic will benefit hugely from its permanent facilities.
Despite the move, most of the Dartmoor Classic’s now established route will be maintained.
“With the slight shift south, there would need to be a tweak or two if we are to maintain similar distances of the past few years.” said chief organiser Ken Robertson.
However, by popular demand, one section of the route which will remain is the long exciting descent of Doccombe, which has recently been resurfaced, followed by the run along the picturesque Teign Valley and the almost pan flat Clay Pits road into Kingsteignton; a ‘gift finish’ totalling over 16 miles.
This unique non commercial event will again be run in association with Specialized and full details can be viewed at www.dartmoorclassic.co.uk
