The Severn Bridge Road Race, a long established South Gloucestershire event, is one of the most demanding early season road races. It’s just been announced that leading bike brand Felt Bicycles, imported by Saddleback, will become title sponsors of the race.

Taking place on 2 March at 11am, the Bristol Road Club-promoted event covers 10 laps of a triangular circuit, totalling a distance of 65 miles (105km).

The circuit takes in Alveston, Elberton, Olveston and Tockington where it climbs the short, sharp Old Down Hill, the best place to watch. The constant attacks, especially on the hill, invariably take their toll on the field and the eventual winner will know he has been in a race.

Last year’s winner Gordon Macauley, the New Zealand Commonwealth Games medallist, will not defend his title. 2007 2nd placed rider Robin Sharman, however, is entered. Past winners include South Gloucestershire-based Ben Luckwell, Grant Bayton of Swindon and Richard Prebble.

Felt Bicycles have a team entered as does the Rapha Condor Recycling Racing team. In all about 70 riders from 14 teams are expected to take part.