The Buxton Mountain Time Trial returns to its traditional Good Friday date and hosts round two of the Merlin Cycles Classic Series with special prizes at stake for the winners.

A five-day stay in Riccione, Italy, is up for grabs for the men’s and women’s winners of the event near Longnor.

Due to Covid-19 the event was held in October last year when David Fellows (Solihull CC) battled the hills and high winds to cover the three laps and 33 miles in 1-30-31.

Fellows is returning to defend his title and is in good form after winning the Banbury Star 23.5 and Matlock CC 25 events already this season.

However, Gavin McCloskey-Lambert (Manchester Wheelers) starts as scratch man on his first outing of the season.

The women’s and veteran’s event takes place over two laps (22 miles) with Amy Gornall (Pro-Noctis - Redchilli Bikes - Heidi Kjeldsen) starting last.

Competition is expected to come from Christina Wiejak (Saint Piran) and Keri Parton (Team Boompods) who won the Crewe Clarion Wheelers 14 last month.

Veteran Paul Pardoe (Peterborough CC) won the opening round of the Merlin Classic Series and looks to boost his overall hopes in that category.

The road bike category sees a competitive men’s field headed by Jude Taylor (Team PB Performance) who starts last after winning the Peak RC road bike event last season.

Alison Dockney (Macclesfield Wheelers) starts as last woman but will see competition from Joanna Blackburn (High North Performance) amongst others.

The juniors field includes Patrick Casey (Team Lifting Gear Products/Cycles in Motion) while Simon Richardson (TORQ Performance) and David Murphy (Liverpool Mercury CC) are amongst the para-cyclists.

Good Friday also sees the …a3crg 10 take place on the fast out and back A3 course near Petersfield.

Ben Williams (GS Mossa) is scratch rider after winning four events last season but is yet an open time trial in 2022.

Veteran Paul Burton (Paceline RT) won the Redhill CC sporting 18 in February while Simon McNamara (HuntBikeWheels.com) has two open time trial wins to his name this season.

Jennifer George (The Independent Pedaler - Nopinz) finished third in the National 50-mile Championships last season and is the last woman starter.

She faces National 12-hour Champion Kim Barfoot-Brace (Bath Cycling Club) and Kirsty McSeveney (...a3crg).

The following day Joanne Rea (Team Kirkley Cycles) starts last in Saturday’s North Tyneside Riders CC 10.

Rea won Barnesbury CC 10 last weekend clocking 23-50 and she will again be targeting victory with team-mate Lewis Wake in the men’s event.

Also taking place on Saturday is the VTTA National 15-mile Championship hosted by VTTA Manchester and NW.

Angela Carpenter (...a3crg) was in dominant form in VTTA competitions last season and starts as scratch rider.

Richard Oakes (Team Ohten Aveas) was VTTA National 10 and 25-mile Champion last season and will look to add a further medal to his collection.

He will face tough competition in the form of Keith Ainsworth (Lindsey Roads Cycling Club) along with others.

Multi-time national champion Christopher Fennell (The Independent Pedaler – Nopinz) gets his season underway in Sunday’s Kent CA 25.

His brother Nicholas Fennell (Thanet RC) will provide competition alongside Andrew Meilak (VeloRefined Rule 5).

Rebecca Wilson (Rye & District Wheelers CC) starts as last woman but will face Jennifer George (The Independent Pedaler – Nopinz).

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