WHEN the Tour of Britain comes through East Devon on September 18, Axe Valley Pedallers members will know exactly what it takes to ride in a peloton.

WHEN?the Tour of Britain comes through East Devon on September 18, Axe Valley Pedallers members will know exactly what it takes to ride in a peloton.

A peloton is a tight, fast moving group of cyclists where the workload is shared between riders in a set way throughout a race.

AVP are trying to introduce cyclists to as many different disciplines as possible. As part of this approach, this summer season a number of pedallers have been taking part in race training at Merryfield Airfield, Near Ilton.

The airfield was used as a glider base during the D-Day landings and is today still used as a satellite of Yeovilton for commando helicopter training.

Pedallers race around the perimeter of the airfield in the tight formation known as a peloton. The training allows cyclists new to racing the opportunity to progress through various groups depending on their experience.

They receive instruction as to how the group works, how the workload can be shared and how to stay safe when it is moving fast.

Alistair Cope, spokesperson for AVP said "We are sure that this training will give AVP members a better understanding when they go to watch the Tour of Britain that is passing through Seaton and on up the Axe Valley via Axminster on Friday, September 18."

AVP are very keen to emphasise that their aim is to develop community cycling in and around the Axe Valley.

September 18 is also when the cycle club has arranged a 24 hour cycle charity event, full details of which can be found on their website: www.axevalleypedallers.org.uk

The event is part of the club's continued drive to raise funds for Devon Air Ambulance Trust.

Mr Cope went on to say that "cyclists of all abilities are encouraged to take part, we even have a fancy dress start on Saturday, September 19 at 10am. It should be great fun for all."

Members of Axe Valley Pedallers, are pictured with Dave Walters (centre) who runs the locally based South West Bike Academy. Dave was chatting to the Pedallers about the young talented cyclists in the South West.