Event Overview
The Dartmoor Devil is not for the faint of heart. Held on the last Sunday of October (October 25, 2026), this legendary cycling event is a true "climber’s sportive." Starting and finishing in the village of Bovey Tracey, the route takes riders into the wild heart of Dartmoor National Park. It is famous for its steep gradients, unpredictable autumnal weather, and the rugged beauty of the Devon landscape. This isn't a race for a shiny aero bike; it’s a test of grit, gearing, and endurance against some of the most formidable hills in the United Kingdom.
Course Details & Terrain
The course typically covers approximately 100km to 110km, but don't let the relatively short distance fool you. Within that distance, you will tackle over 2,500 meters (8,200ft) of vertical ascent. The route is characterized by "walls"—climbs with gradients frequently exceeding 20%.
Key sections often include the legendary climb out of Widecombe-in-the-Moor and the long, exposed drag up to Rundlestone. The terrain is a mix of narrow, high-hedged lanes and wide-open moorland roads where the wind can be a significant factor. The descents are often technical, wet, and covered in leaf litter or gravel, requiring high-level bike handling skills. In late October, the moor is often shrouded in mist or battered by Atlantic rain, adding a layer of atmospheric challenge to the physical toll.
Who Should Enter? (Beginners vs. Experienced)
For Beginners: This is a very difficult event for a novice. If you have not spent significant time climbing in the hills, the Dartmoor Devil may be an overwhelming introduction to sportive riding. However, for a beginner with a strong fitness base and the right gearing (compact or sub-compact cranksets), it is a life-changing challenge that provides a massive sense of achievement.
For Experienced Athletes: This is a bucket-list event. Veterans come to the Devil to test their climbing prowess and their mental toughness. It is a fantastic end-of-season objective that requires a different kind of fitness than a flat summer century. The challenge here is not your average speed, but your ability to keep the pedals turning on 25% slopes after four hours in the saddle.
Coach Raye's Race-Day Pro Tips
- Gear for the Gradients: Do not show up with a standard 53/39 crankset and an 11-25 cassette. To survive the Devil, you want at least a 32t or even a 34t cog on the rear. Being able to sit and spin on the steep sections will save your lower back and your hamstrings for the latter half of the ride.
- Layering for the Moor: The weather at the start in Bovey Tracey can be vastly different from the weather at the top of the moor. Use a high-quality breathable rain jacket and carry full-finger gloves. Getting cold on a long descent after a sweaty climb is the fastest way to experience "the bonk."
- Hydration and Cramp Management: Constant steep climbing is a recipe for cramping. Use electrolyte tabs in your bottles and consider carrying a small packet of mustard or specialized anti-cramping liquid. Keep your effort just below your threshold on the early climbs; if you go into the red in the first hour, you will pay for it tenfold at the end.
How to Train for This Event
Training for the Dartmoor Devil requires a specific focus on power-to-weight ratio and high-torque muscular endurance. Raye’s adaptive WhatsApp training plans are designed to prepare you for exactly this. By incorporating "hill repeats" and low-cadence strength work into your weekly schedule, Raye ensures your legs are conditioned for the relentless gradients of the Devon tors. With real-time feedback and plans that adjust based on your recovery, Raye is the perfect partner to help you earn your "Devil" finisher's badge. Let's start climbing together.