Always ready to explore ways in which to improve the Exmoor Beast, its organisers have just taken a most unusual and, some would say, bold step to ensure their event matches the new high standards recently set by one of their sportive neighbours. The end of season Somerset event has just co-opted Ron Keegan, the promoter of the hugely successful Dartmoor Classic, to advise on arrangements for the next staging of ‘The Beast’ on November 1st.

“Since the end of June, we’ve been hearing how well-run the big Devon event was, with people saying it was the best UK sportive ever.” said Marcus Di Vincenzo, C.E.O. of events management company M.I.G., “so we decided to approach the promoter to see if he would oversee that which we are putting in place for our event. Two years ago, at our first attempt, we delivered an event which was exceptionally well received by the 600 who took part. Last year, with over twice that number, the weather and changed headquarters conspired against us but we vowed we would make the event a great deal better this time.”

Ron Keegan is one of the main figures on the Dartmoor Classic’s organising team and he admits that M.I.G’s. approach was unexpected and highly unusual. “I must confess that when they first contacted me I was more than a little surprised. You could say The Beast’ and ‘The Classic’ are competitors in the sportive market and that to respond positively to any request for assistance would be like joining the enemy.” he said.

“However, I took the wider view that, as event providers, we need to be helping each other to improve standards for all those who take part. There are still far too many events taking riders’ money under false pretences but I don’t see ‘The Beast as one of them. Di Vincenzo and his team have a genuine desire to make their event one of the biggest and best sportives in the country and if I can help them achieve their goal then I will” he added.

Keegan will now visit Butlins, Minehead, which hosts the start and finish and where riders, their families and supporters can enjoy a wide range of facilities and activities. He will check over the course details, accuracy of the distances, positioning of key marshals and the locations and provisions of the feed stations before reporting back to M.I.G’s team.

The Exmoor Beast is now open for entries, with nearly 400 places already booked. The organisers will be closing at 2,000 entries this year.

Visit www.exmoorbeast.org now to be sure of a place.