Those keen to test their winter training have several tests to choose from this weekend to get their time trial season underway.

Veteran Christopher McNamara (Nuun-Sigma Sport-London RT) won 11 open time trials last season and is set to start his season as last man in Saturday’s ...a3crg Sporting 15-kilometre event near Petersfield.

Host club riders Kirsty McSeveney and Lucy Mitchell will battle for women’s honours alongside Kate Stillwell (Petersfield Triathlon Club).

Joshua Clark ((Royal Navy & Royal Marines CA) has already won this year in the Southborough & Dist Whs 10 on New Year’s Day and is scratch rider in the road bike category while veteran Lara Taylor (Velo Club Godalming & Haslemere) is the last woman underway.

Also taking place on Saturday afternoon is the Rossendale RC hilly which takes place over 10.3 miles on the Bolton by Bowland circuit.

A competitive women’s field will see Sammie Stuart (Team Brother UK), Louise Scupham (Jadan Vive Le Velo) and Anna Weaver (Team Kirkley Cycles) all set to battle it out on the Lancashire course.

Richard Bickley (Giant-Kendal-Sidas.uk) will start as scratch man hoping for his first victory of the season.

Former women’s national time trial champion over a variety of distances Emily Meakin ((AWOL O’Shea Worx) is due to begin her season in the Chester RC 15.2-mile event near Wrexham.

Meakin only competed and won one local event last season after winning three national titles in 2020.

To take her first win of the season Meakin will have to beat veteran Janet Fairclough (Liverpool Phoenix CC (Aintree) along with a host of other riders.

A strong field of 73 competitors are due to compete in the event with Alastair Ribbands (Congleton CC) starting as last man having won six events last year.

Those looking to compete over 25 miles will be heading to Sunday’s North Road CC Hardriders event with 52 riders due to compete.

Taking place in the Hertfordshire countryside the unconventional course includes several climbs including a long rise up to the finish.

After only competing in one event last season Josh Crow-Stewart (Arctic Aircon RT) will be hoping for a perfect start to his season starting last man but he will have to battle with Matthew Clements (Kuwait Pro Cycling Team) amongst others.

A strong women’s field is also set to gather with Emily Knight (Bishop's Stortford CC) and Lillie Swan (Veloccino Squadra Donne) amongst those targeting early season honours.

* All reports and features are copyright of Cycling Time Trials/Snowdon Sports. Not to be used without permission. Words by Ben Goddard.