The worst of the winter weather appears finally to be behind us and we can all start to look forward to the coming of the spring – with the clocks going forward on March 30.

And the coming of spring is certainly something to celebrate as a cyclist – be it the unofficial start of the sportive season, the spring Classics on the television (and perhaps even a visit to the Monuments of Belgium or Northern France) or just a chance to enjoy some longer days out on the road.

Milan-San Remo, the season’s first – and longest – Monument of the year takes place on Sunday, with British champion Mark Cavendish among the leading contenders.

Up and down the country, there will no doubt be thousands of Brits taking on their first monumental challenges of the season too, with preparations stepping up for any bigger goals in the near future.

Mike Hughes is one man with a huge goal ahead of him – riding the first stage of the Tour de France just hours before the professionals do in July.

And we doubt Mike is alone in harbouring big plans for the summer, so make sure you haven’t missed any of the best bits on RoadCyclingUK this week by catching up over the following pages.