Hay-on-Wye based Drover, who have been organising events for over a decade from their base on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, have taken over the ‘Devil’ sportive series from Red Kite Events for 2016. The series kicked off last month with the Shropshire Devil, drawing entrants from as far away as Scotland for a spring sportive in glorious sunshine. 

Organiser Anna Heywood said: ‘After the early morning mist burned off it was a perfect spring day for the first of our sportives and everyone made it back with the tell-tale tired smile of the satisfied sportive rider!

‘We were delighted with the overwhelmingly positive feedback about our well-stocked feed stations and friendly team.

‘We’ve also taken heed of some constructive criticism and we’re aiming for 100% satisfaction in our two remaining events of 2016.’

On that note, the Herefordshire Devil is on Sunday May 8th, starting and finishing at the Community Hall on School Road, Leominster.

Said Anna: ‘Herefordshire is superb for cycling, with quiet roads and stunning views. The Devil takes in the gorgeous scenery of the Herefordshire hills, Welsh Borders and Mid Wales.

‘What could be better than an early summer ride into the heart of Mid Wales? It promises to be a cracker.’

Short (56 miles / 90km), medium (83 miles / 133km)  and long (133 miles / 213km) loops are available with toilets and fully-catered food stops en route.

Drover are also planning an all-new Powys Devil on a date to be announced in August, starting from their HQ in Hay-on-Wye in the foothills of the Black Mountains.

For more info about the Herefordshire Devil, including route maps and online entry, head to the Drover website.

Online entry is £27, rising to £35 for on the day entry.