PREVIEW: Merlin Cycles Classic Series R6

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Multiple national champion John Archibald heads the field for Saturday’s sixth round of the Merlin Cycles Classic Series event over 14 miles on the Nottinghamshire border with Derbyshire.

After winning a host of national titles last season Archibald signed for professional road team Eolo Kometa in the winter and has yet to ride a national competition this season.

However, the 30-year-old did stomp to victory with a course record in the Northampton & District CA 15 last weekend.

The 14-mile course starts on the A60 at Cuckney before turning onto the A619 for the toughest part of the course rising past Whitwell Wood before turning for home at Clowne on the A616.

Leon Wright

After being part of the winning National Team Time Trial Champions side James Shaw (Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling) will provide a tough challenge.

Looking for overall honours Leon Wright (Race Hub) has a second and eighth place to his name already while Travis Bramley (Nopinz Motip Race Team) has two fifth places in the series.

After taking two podium places in the Merlin Classic Series already this season Jessica Rhodes-Jones (AeroCoach) will start as last woman.

Competition on the day and for the series comes in the form of Keri Parton (Pro Vision RC) who has ridden three rounds with top-five finishes in each.

In the road bike category B Xavier Disley (AeroCoach) starts as last man looking to take hold of the overall series.

However, competition on the day could come in the form of Graham Briggs (Clancy Briggs Cycling Academy) who finished third in the AeroCoach 10 for road bikes.

In the women’s event hill climb specialist Rebecca Richardson (Team Brother UK) takes on Joanna Blackburn (Team Bottrill).

Meanwhile, in the junior category Sophie Heighton (Ferryhill Whs) and Patrick Casey (Team Lifting Gear Products/Cycles In Motion) are amongst those in action.

* All reports are copyright of Cycling Time Trials/Snowdon Sports. Not to be used without permission.