From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, January 24, 2007

PLACES are rapidly being snapped up for this year's Dartmoor Classic cycle challenge.

The event on Sunday 11 May 2008, is a long distance, mass participation challenge for cyclists over demanding terrain, where riders can choose a 100mile or 100km route.

Local cyclists have been urged to apply early as Devon County Council TravelWise has arranged with the organisers for three hundred of the 1,300 places in the event to be reserved for local residents, who will compete for the Corporate Trophy. The reserved places are for Devon residents whose employers encourage cycling to work with Bicycle Users Groups or cycle purchase schemes, or in any other way promote and support cycling for their staff by providing cycle storage facilities and showers. Places cost £25 for either route, but reserved spaces will only be set aside until next month.

Among those who have already signed up for the event are Stoke Hill Junior School headteacher Roy Souter, who recently bought a bike through the County Council's government-supported Cycle To Work scheme. He is going to ride the 100km route of the Dartmoor Classic with assistant headteacher Charlie Poustie. They are currently doing a 30km training ride together on Monday nights and riding to school regularly as part of their preparation. The pair are also hoping to gain sponsorship to raise money for Stoke Hill Junior School, which is a "Bike It" school thanks to teacher Gillian Davison.

Mr Souter said: "As a Bike It school, we're encouraging children to cycle to school and I thought I should do the same. Cycling to school has given me the incentive to get fit and have fun which is why I'm taking on this challenge."

Devon and Cornwall Constabulary has also entered a team of seven riders.

Jos Clements, Chairman of Devon and Cornwall Constabulary's Middlemoor Bicycle User Group (mBUG), said: "The Force is committed to being an environmentally-friendly organisation, working towards a sustainable future. Cycling to work clearly contributes to this necessary goal.

"We set up the mBUG to assist and encourage staff working at Middlemoor police headquarters. Our aims are to reduce the barriers to choosing the bike as a form of transport, either regularly or occasionally, by advising the Force of facilities and measures that can be put in place. We have seen the numbers of cyclists increase to Middlemoor to the point where we are now looking to install more bike stands.

"We have an enthusiastic circle of cyclists in the Force and are delighted that some are supporting this event, set against the challenging but beautiful Dartmoor terrain."

Five of the nine members of staff from Gillespie Yunnie Architects based at Foxhole, Dartington Hall, are also taking part.

Partner Phillip Yunnie said: "Half of our staff cycle to work regularly taking advantage of the cycle racks and showers available for tenants at Dartington Hall. It's good to do things as an office and we thought it would be good to bring everyone together for an event like this. We're looking forward to it. "

Last year's inaugural Dartmoor Classic was a sell out and proved to be a hugely popular event, despite taking place on the same day that the Ten Tors was cancelled because of severe weather conditions.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "The Dartmoor Classic was an overwhelming success last year. It's pleasing to see that this event has encouraged so many people to take up cycling or to cycle more, and I am proud that Travelwise can again play its part in supporting such an incredible challenge. Cycling to work is a great way of training for those taking part, but at the same time it's also improving their health and helping the environment by easing congestion."

Probably the most important changes to the event, particularly for those who rode the first edition of the Dartmoor Classic, are the two new routes which will give you "more moor for your money"; 70% of the 100 mile route is over parts of the moor not covered in 2007.

DCC TravelWise is a funding partner for Dartmoor Classic organisers Mid Devon Cycling Club/Colin Lewis Cycles.

Commuting to work by bike is one way of fitting in a daily training schedule. For those who have a long daily commute, consider using the train or driving for part of the way. Anyone who has only a short distance to travel should consider fitting in a longer loop on the way home especially when the lighter evenings allow this.

To book a place log on to www.dartmoorclassic.co.uk

Notes for Editors:

Councillor Margaret Rogers 01297 680384.