Luke Barfoot (Primera-TeamJobs) claimed overall victory at the 2025 Totnes Vire after a dramatic final stage in Devon. Leader George Kimber’s puncture opened the door, with Barfoot decisively beating Piers Mahn (Halesowen A & CC) in a thrilling finish.
The final stage of the 2025 Totnes Vire delivered precisely the kind of unpredictable and gripping racing that makes Devon roads legendary. With narrow lanes, relentlessly rolling terrain, and multiple opportunities to reshuffle the general classification, the stage set a perfect scene for high drama and tactical ingenuity. Heading into the day, George Kimber (Spirit Racing Team) held a slender lead, with several rivals close behind and ready to capitalise on any slip.
Rolling out from Hatherleigh, the peloton faced a challenging 109 km route, structured around two demanding large circuits followed by two shorter finishing loops. Initially, all eyes were firmly on Kimber, the overnight leader. Early attacks were quickly marked and neutralised, with Kimber and Cameron McLaren (TAAP Kalas), second overall, actively policing the moves.
The race took a critical turn when Piers Mahn (Halesowen A & CC) launched a sharp attack on one of the early climbs, swiftly gaining a gap. Sensing the opportunity, Luke Barfoot (Primera-TeamJobs), Ben Meek (Reflex Nopinz), and local rider James Piercy (Mid Devon CC) quickly bridged across. The four riders forged an effective alliance, rapidly pushing their advantage out to around a minute. As the breakaway settled into its rhythm, the chasing groups struggled to coordinate an effective response.
Disaster struck for GC leader Kimber midway through the race when he suffered an ill-timed puncture. With no neutral service available, Kimber’s challenge for the overall evaporated, and the peloton splintered in confusion behind, giving the escapees valuable breathing room.
Eventually, the relentless pace saw Piercy drop off, leaving Mahn, Barfoot, and Meek to press on. Realising they were now racing for overall honours, the trio maintained their advantage expertly, despite sporadic attempts from behind to bridge the gap. Approaching the final kilometres, the tension mounted.
With approximately 6 kilometres to go, Barfoot made his decisive move, launching a powerful attack that initially distanced Mahn and Meek. However, Mahn summoned impressive resilience to bridge back up to Barfoot, setting the stage for a tense two-man duel to the finish. In the closing moments, Barfoot unleashed a final surge on the last roundabout, about 600 metres from the line, holding off Mahn to secure the stage victory and claim the overall GC win. Mahn crossed the line moments later, satisfied with his weekend’s racing.
Luke Barfoot (Primera-TeamJobs) claimed overall victory at the 2025 Totnes Vire after a dramatic final stage in Devon. Leader George Kimber’s puncture opened the door, with Barfoot decisively beating Piers Mahn (Halesowen A & CC) in a thrilling finish.
Day one report and results.
Featured image: Chris Godfrey
Report
Stage 3
The final stage of the 2025 Totnes Vire delivered precisely the kind of unpredictable and gripping racing that makes Devon roads legendary. With narrow lanes, relentlessly rolling terrain, and multiple opportunities to reshuffle the general classification, the stage set a perfect scene for high drama and tactical ingenuity. Heading into the day, George Kimber (Spirit Racing Team) held a slender lead, with several rivals close behind and ready to capitalise on any slip.
Rolling out from Hatherleigh, the peloton faced a challenging 109 km route, structured around two demanding large circuits followed by two shorter finishing loops. Initially, all eyes were firmly on Kimber, the overnight leader. Early attacks were quickly marked and neutralised, with Kimber and Cameron McLaren (TAAP Kalas), second overall, actively policing the moves.
The race took a critical turn when Piers Mahn (Halesowen A & CC) launched a sharp attack on one of the early climbs, swiftly gaining a gap. Sensing the opportunity, Luke Barfoot (Primera-TeamJobs), Ben Meek (Reflex Nopinz), and local rider James Piercy (Mid Devon CC) quickly bridged across. The four riders forged an effective alliance, rapidly pushing their advantage out to around a minute. As the breakaway settled into its rhythm, the chasing groups struggled to coordinate an effective response.
Disaster struck for GC leader Kimber midway through the race when he suffered an ill-timed puncture. With no neutral service available, Kimber’s challenge for the overall evaporated, and the peloton splintered in confusion behind, giving the escapees valuable breathing room.
Eventually, the relentless pace saw Piercy drop off, leaving Mahn, Barfoot, and Meek to press on. Realising they were now racing for overall honours, the trio maintained their advantage expertly, despite sporadic attempts from behind to bridge the gap. Approaching the final kilometres, the tension mounted.
With approximately 6 kilometres to go, Barfoot made his decisive move, launching a powerful attack that initially distanced Mahn and Meek. However, Mahn summoned impressive resilience to bridge back up to Barfoot, setting the stage for a tense two-man duel to the finish. In the closing moments, Barfoot unleashed a final surge on the last roundabout, about 600 metres from the line, holding off Mahn to secure the stage victory and claim the overall GC win. Mahn crossed the line moments later, satisfied with his weekend’s racing.
Results
Stage 3
General classification
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