FANTASTIC Cornish sunshine welcomed seven hundred and eighty cyclists who set out to tame the second annual North Cornwall 'Tor' cycling classic organised by the Dragon Leisure Centre in Bodmin on Sunday, April 19.

The event, organised for the more serious cyclist, took place over three routes, covering 43 miles, 70 miles and100 miles.

Cyclists covering the extremely tough 100 miles route headed north from Bodmin across the moors to Bude, back along the coast road back to Bodmin. The event showcased the spectacular Cornish scenery taking in Boscastle and Tintagel on the way.

Richard Lamboll, manager of the Dragon Leisure Centre said: "The North Cornwall Tor is the second event and we have organised and it is well on the way to becoming an annual classic aimed at the serious cyclist."

The riders' endorsement of the event was unanimous and the word amongst the cycling fraternity is that the North Cornwall Tor is probably the toughest event in the country. Some riders who rode the Tor with have said that the event is harder than the many cycle events that follow stages of the Tour de France.

Gareth Dix, East Cornwall Leisure Officer, added: "We are really thrilled with the positive impact this event has made to local people. There is a massive potential for cycling in Cornwall and we are very pleased to have been a part of this fantastic event."

Proceeds from the event will be donated to the national children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent and additional sponsorship was also raised on the sponsored Fun Family Challenge held on the Camel Trail on Easter Saturday.

Geoff Samuels, one of the event organisers, said: "As well as promoting cycling and healthy living, the event brought many visitors into North Cornwall, with people coming from across the country to take part. All the entrants were exposed to the large variety of spectacular and beautiful scenery here in Cornwall, and I hope some of them will now come back to enjoy it at a more leisurely pace!

"The event will be staged again next year and we anticipate this event attracting over 1,000 riders which will have a massive economic benefit to the area as riders will travel great distances to ride

classics events."

Geoff Saxon from Kilotogo, who helped organise the event, told the 'Post': "It went extremely well. We're always extremely pleased when everybody gets back safe and sound. There were no injuries, incidents or

accidents so that's the main thing. Beyond that,

everybody seemed to have a fantastic time; the weather helped immensely.

"This event brings a lot of people from outside the region into Cornwall. It makes them realise what a wonderful, scenic place Cornwall is."

Geoff explained that their mission is to get over 1,000 riders to participate in next year's event, and added: "This event is being recognised as the toughest event of its kind. We've had a lot of comments from riders who have said just that."

Once back at the Dragon Centre, the cyclists had the chance to relax, refuel with a cup of tea and tasty

energy food and enjoy a well deserved massage.