Crossing the finish line … Devon Summer Tour ends after a summer of cycling fun

The Devon Summer Tour, a cycling challenge for new and experienced cyclists, has drawn to a close with the winners awarded prizes for riding and encouraging others.

The programme, which started in July, was run by Love to Ride and Devon County Council to celebrate the Tour of Britain returning to Devon in September.

People were encouraged to form a social team of six riders, like in the Tour of Britain.

247 organisations now take part in Love to Ride’s challenges with 4,964 people cycling over 3 million miles so far. Nearly a thousand new riders took part in the competition and people shared pictures of great cycle locations in Devon on the Love to Ride website.

The winning social team was Chums of TivvyHigh tour Britain n’places. The top encourager of new riders was John Vessey. Both will receive framed certificates.

John, who won the chance to ride in one of the convoy vehicles on the first day of Stage 2 in Devon, said: "I'm incredibly excited by this amazing opportunity and look forward to seeing the people of Devon coming out to support the Tour."

The Devon stage of the Tour of Britain, taking place on the 3rd September, will start in Cranbrook and finish in Barnstaple. It is the tenth time in 12 years that The Tour of Britain will visit Devon.

For those who have pedalled into the cycling spirit and wish to continue the joy of cycling and fun of friendly competition, the next cycle challenge run by Love to Ride and Devon County Council is Cycle September, a free competition between workplaces who will be competing on local, national and global leader boards in seven size categories.

The workplaces with the highest percentage of staff riding a bike in September will win their category – and individuals will be eligible for prizes for riding and encouraging others.

Workplaces in Barnstaple, Exeter and Newton Abbot can contact traveltowork@devon.gov.uk to find out more about Travel Devon’s workplace support to help them make the most of Cycle September at their organisation.

To find out more and to register, visit Love to Ride's website.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon Country Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management with responsibility for cycling said: “It’s great to see so many people, particularly new riders, taking part in friendly competitions such as the Devon Summer Tour. We hope it will inspire people to keep cycling and to enjoy the Tour of Britain when it comes to Devon.”