Whether you’ll be competing or spectating this weekend, there’s plenty for everyone on the cycling calendar. Here are a few of the highlights for the Easter break…

Good Friday at Herne Hill

Despite a rocky time for the future of Herne Hill Stadium last year, the classic Good Friday Meeting still went ahead with its usual storming success. Each year, South London’s Herne Hill Velodrome is packed out with roaring crowds for the race meeting which has become notorius for its impressive display of international cycling talent. Since 1903 the riders have never failed to impress and this year will be no exception. So, make a note in your diary now for a great day out on Friday 14th April. Start list and events schedule now at www.londoncyclesport.com

The Girvan 3 Day Stage Race

One of the best cycle road races in Britain and the only stage race on British Cycling’s Premier Calendar elite road racing series, the 2006 Girvan Cycle Race, will take place over Easter weekend, 15th – 17th April. With four separate stages, the race totals around 250 miles and up to 100 riders will take to the scenic roads of South-West Scotland, providing great entertainment for all the family. It all kicks off at 11am and best of all – it’s free! For more information contact [email protected]

Tour of the North

The Northern Ireland Cycling Federation has announced a tough route for the new-look compact P&O Irish Sea Tour of the North, which takes place over the Easter Weekend (Friday 14th – Monday 17th April). Stage sponsors include Belfast City Council (Prologue Time Trial, Stormont Friday) Ballymena Borough Council (Saturday) North Down Borough Council (2 Stages on Sunday) and Castlereagh (Monday)

For 2006 as well as the race leaders Yellow Jersey, leaders jerseys for Juniors and Under 23 riders have been introduced, targeting the event at Cyclings `young guns` for whom the P&O Tour provides an ideal introduction to top class stage racing. Long standing sponsors P&O Irish Sea are again providing free ferry travel from Scotland to the province, making the 4-day 5-stage event more cost effective for UK mainland riders.

All in all it is shaping up to be a cracking Tour, with a bumper field and quality to match, roll on Good Friday.
More details and information from Davy Ross or on (028) 9336 7703

Calshot Easter Open Track Meeting

On Sunday 16 April Calshot Velodrome will host its Easter Open Track meeting. Open to all ages and both men and women, the annual open meet will feature a range of action on the boards including both sprints and endurance events. For more information contact Susan Knight.

‘Go-Ride’ for kids this Easter

British Cycling is keen to get youngsters into cycling, and to this end it’s staging a two-week introduction to cycling disciplines, between 3/17 April. It’s open to 10-16 year olds, and is a great opportunity to get into cycling, and for the more experienced riders a chance to perfect bike handling skills.

Those attending will be introduced first to MTBing at the Lee Valley Cycle Circuit, for three days, then two days of road riding/racing, with a handicap race to try out new find skills. Week two will introduce Track riding, at Gosling Sports Track in Welwyn Garden City, followed finally by Cycle Speedway in Ipswich, at the Whitton Leisure Centre.

Commenting on the inclusion of Cycle Speeday, coach Mark Wyer said: “Even if you are not intending to become a Cycle Speedway rider you must try this exciting discipline at least once in your cycling career. Now is your chance!”

Don’t worry if you don’t have a bike, as bike hire will be available. The last time British Cycling hosted this kind of event, it was packed, so best get your bookings in quick. Contact Mary Wyer at [email protected] or 07736 066531.

Surrey League – Sigma Sport – Easter three day stage race

Although the entry is already full this is the first big race of the season for the Surrey League. Take a picnic and watch the fun passing through Handcross…
Rake VH – Stage 1
Dunsfold Aerodrome – Stage 2
Handcross Pavillion – Stage 3
www.surreyleague.co.uk

World Track Championships – April 13th to 16th – Bordeaux, France

We should be ready for some medals especially with many of the trackies fit from the Commonwealth Games last month. It’s in Bordeaux so if you fancy a trip away it’s a good chance to see some track action. There’s some great road riding in the area too!

Team news and full preview at www.britishcycling.org.uk