Primavera Road Race – Early Season Leg Tester

This year instead of  the Springtime Pursuits that have been the traditional “opener” to the South West road race calendar the MDCC are promoting one day of early season races on Sunday 22^nd February.  With the headquarters at Hatherleigh, the heart of Devon’s Red Ruby Cattle Country there are races available for all categories.

In the morning there will be a handicap race over 28 miles for Women starting at 11.40 a.m.  This will be run on a 6.5 mile circuit to the East of the town taking in Bassetts Cross, Lamerton Cross and Jacobstowe passing the once home of the infamous Mr Blobby.  Based upon 40 entrants the prize value will be over £100 with the winner also holding the Mont’s Trophy Shield for 12 months.

In the afternoon there will be a National “A” Race for Elite, 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd category men (2 p.m. start) and a Regional “B” race support race for 3^rd and 4^th category men (2.05 p.m. start).  Both races will go westwards passing Highampton, prime, then onward to Beara Cross, Dunsland Cross, Halwill Junction, prime, and back to Beara Cross. The course then repeats the circuit to Halwill Junction, prime, but goes straight on to Thorndon and down the steep descent of Tanners Hill with its tricky “S” bends at the bottom before climbing the equally steep Yelland Hill – perhaps here the decisive race move will happen.

The closing 8 miles take in the rolling hills up to Folly Gate then down to Hatherleigh and the finish line at the top of the town’s by-pass.

Based upon 80 entrants the prize value will be over £250.00

For race entry go to the British Cycling’s web site

https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/122638/Primavera-Road-Race#summary