The challenges

1

Angersleigh The first test of the day, rising up relatively gently over its 1.2-mile length, it eases off early on for a good warm-up as you start to really get going.

2

Whimple Hill You will be fuelled and ready for this onemile-long slope as the first feed comes just before; its gradual profile favouring the big ring if you are feeling good and strong.

3

Greenway lane Turning off the A373 onto the lane gives a good view ahead of the task which kicks up to a punishing 20 per cent near the top. Fortunately it flattens out briefly and then it’s over at just under a mile.

4

Park Close Climb Don’t let the name fool you, it’s not in the middle of some housing estate but out in the Devonian countryside, affording great views over the farmland it climbs up though. The climb starts off gently enough, even dipping down slightly before starting to rise up for the full mile distance. The road is narrow and doesn’t see much traffic except from the farm nearby, so be wary of mud and the odd pothole as you climb. At the halfway point the gradient starts to make itself known, getting steeper as you go up to 15 per cent near the top, before joining the road that drops down to Dunkeswell airfield — on a nice day you may have aircraft flying nearby to take your mind off the effort.