Event Overview
If you’re looking for a gentle autumn spin, the Dartmoor Devil is not for you. Scheduled for October 25, 2026, this is a legendary 'audax' style sportive that takes cyclists through the most punishing terrain in Dartmoor National Park. Starting and finishing in Princetown—home to the famous high-security prison—the race has a cult-like following. The 'Devil' is famous for its 9:00 AM mass start, its 'checkpoints' where you must get your brevet card stamped, and its unapologetically steep gradients. The vibe is one of camaraderie in the face of adversity; it’s a celebration of the 'hardmen' and 'hardwomen' of cycling.
Course Details & Terrain
The course covers approximately 100km (62 miles), but don't let the distance fool you. You will encounter over 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) of vertical climbing.
The Climbs
You will face multiple climbs with gradients exceeding 20%. The infamous 'Widecombe-in-the-Moor' climb and the ascent of 'Dittisham' often force even the strongest riders to tack across the road or, in some cases, walk. The climbs are short but incredibly sharp, followed by technical, sweeping descents that can be treacherous if the Devon mist (or 'mizzle') has descended.
The Surface and Environment
The roads are typical Dartmoor lanes: narrow, high-hedged, and often covered in a thin film of mud or sheep droppings. Cattle grids are frequent, requiring focus and a steady hand. The weather is a primary antagonist—on a clear day, the views are breathtaking, but Dartmoor is notorious for rapid weather shifts. Expect wind, rain, and temperatures that feel significantly colder on the high plateaus.
Who Should Enter? (Beginners vs. Experienced)
For Beginners
This is not an entry-level sportive. If you have not completed a hilly 100km ride before, the Dartmoor Devil will be a shock to the system. However, if you are a beginner with a 'mountain goat' spirit and a low gear ratio, the sense of achievement at the finish line in Princetown is unparalleled. Just make sure you have practiced your hill starts!
For Experienced Athletes
For the seasoned climber, the Devil is a rite of passage. It’s a chance to test your 'end-of-season' fitness. There are no timing chips or podiums here; it’s about the purity of the ride. Veterans will appreciate the technicality of the route and the requirement for self-sufficiency.
Coach Raye's Race-Day Pro Tips
- Gearing is Everything: Do not attempt the Devil with a standard 'pro' crankset. A compact (50/34) chainset paired with a 32t or even 34t cassette is highly recommended. You will want that 'emergency gear' when you hit the 25% ramps at mile 40.
- Layer Up, Then Layer Again: Start with a high-quality Merino base layer, a jersey, and a packable waterproof jacket. Use full-finger gloves. The descent from the high moors can be bone-chilling, even if you’ve just sweated your way up a climb.
- Nutrition Strategy: Because of the intensity of the climbs, your heart rate will stay high, making it harder to digest solid food. Use liquid nutrition or soft chews that provide high carbohydrate counts (60-90g per hour) without requiring heavy chewing.
How to Train for This Event
To survive the Devil, you need more than just miles in your legs; you need 'climbing strength.' Raye, your AI endurance coach, can build an adaptive, custom WhatsApp training plan that focuses on 'over-geared' intervals and hill repeats. Raye understands that life gets in the way, so if it's raining too hard for your long ride, Raye will suggest an indoor session that replicates the steep gradients of Dartmoor. Ready to face the Devil? Let Raye build the plan that ensures you're the one doing the punishing on those hills, not the other way around.