The Exmoor Beast – a classic?

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Posted Tuesday 10th July 2012 –

With over 300 riders already signed up for the end of season Exmoor Beast, its organisers are pondering if it has already achieved ‘Classic’ status. Now in its 6th year, the Minehead based fixture has established an enviable reputation for slick presentation and some truly classic features.

“Staging a sportive over such demanding terrain, with winter lurking just around the corner, is always going to be supremely challenging, but it’s the combination of elements that make The Beast a genuine candidate for classic status.” said MIG Events boss Marcus Di Vincenzo. “With sections of the route, through Exmoor’s National Park, comparable to some of those encountered in Milan-San Remo and Paris- Roubaix, our sportive is often made more testing by the generally prevailing climatic conditions.” he added.

However, an Indian-summer at the event’s inaugural edition is testament that the weather, at that time of year, is not always inclement. Nevertheless, DiVincenzo and his team are always prepared to respond to the season’s more normal offerings. The sense of achievement is always massive in arduous conditions, as they most certainly were in 2009, when the wind and rain could not have been much worse. It was the sort of day when God said “No you can’t.” but, a thousand riders said “Oh yes we can.” Their exploits have passed into cycling folklore and they have been dining out on their heroic achievements ever since.

Whatever the heavens deliver at the end of October, one thing is certain, classic or not, the Exmoor Beast is now a must do ride on the UK sportive calendar for those looking to round off their sportive season with a final century ride.

For full details visit –

www.exmoorbeast.org