News & Features

The first of the season's `National` events is with us this weekend when the Chelmer CC promote the first leg of the RTTC Classic Series time trial at Finchingfield, Essex. Star attraction is British Time Trial Champion Alex Dowsett (Movistar) who heads the senior field that also includes Brett Harwood (Terry Wright Cycles), Dean Robson (Nopinz), Liam Maybank (Twickenham CC), Matthew Smith (Team Bottrill), George Evans (Team Bottrill) and Chris Fennell (Thanet CC), Espoirs Champion for the last two years.

The Women's event includes a strong contingent from the new Podium Ambition squad with Amy Gornall, Elizabeth-Jane Harris and Lauren Creamer plus Crystal Spearman (Nopinz), Alice Lethbridge (Starley Racing) and Helen McKay (Les Filles RT).

Last years Vets Series Champion Julian Ramsbottom (Pedal Pushers RT), Daryl May (Sheffrec CC) and Ian Holbrook (Stone Wheelers) are among the Veteran's field while Rik Waddon (Para T), overall Paracycling winner for the last couple of years,  heads the Paracyclists entry. Harry Buxton (Out of the Saddle CC) and Grace Garner (Podium Ambition) ride the Junior's event.

The Chelmer's promotion, The Jim Perrin Memorial Hardriders 25.5-mile, takes riders through picturesque Essex villages like Steeple Bumpstead on a course described as `rolling`. Event HQ is at Finchingfield Village Hall with the first rider off at 9am. Dowsett is last away at 10.54.

Dowsett is also down for Saturday's Eastern Counties CA `10` but is also listed with the Movistar line up for the Milan-San Remo Classic so we will have to see if he makes it for either of the domestic events.

Hemel Hempstead CC's 21.5-mile event sees National 24-Hour Champion Michael Broadwith (Arctic-Tacx RT) in action along with team mate Danny Axford. TMG Horizon CT field a strong team with Luke and Ross Clarke, and Richard Wood. Roy Chamberlain (Team Corley Cycles) and Tim Davies (Icknield RC) also ride while Jody Conibear (Hemel Hempstead CC) is one of the 10 women entered.

Shropshire CCA Hilly `21` Bridgnorth CC time trial has Matthew Davies (Rhino Velo RT), Rob Kennard (Revolution Racing), Stephen Minton (Ludlow Brewery RT) and Jill Wilkinson (Chester RC) listed while the Maidenhead CC 15-mile at Holyport, Maidenhead, has Nick English (Aero Coaching), Andrew Payne (Maidenhead & District CC) and Nick McCormick (Epsom CC) going for it.

Manchester & District TTA `10` has Richard Handley (OnePro Cycling) looking to cash in on the form he has after riding and finishing the recent Tour de Langkawi stage race. Competition comes from James Lindsay (Racepace), Barry Charlton (Swinnerton Cycles) and Scott Garnett (Tanks Direct Cycling) while Holly Carter (Manchester Wheelers) and Samantha Hewitt (Ashley Touring CC) are among the women.

Cramlington CC `18` has Harry Walker and Blaire Metcalfe (Team Swift), Kerry Gowland and Elliott Gowland of Team Bottrill, Mark Robertson (Army CU),Scoland's Andrew Scorey (Berwick Wheelers) and Chris Isats (Breeze Bikes RT) entered along with Angela Hibbs (Fusion RT).