Top riders line up in Classic

SOME of the best riders in the country will come to the North West this weekend when the Clayton Velo Spring Classic road race is staged, marking the start of the new season.

Top riders from our region will mix with some of the leading professionals in the 41st edition of the popular event, which uses the Bashall Eaves circuit and covers 56 miles over 14 laps.

The handicap event will see the juniors and fourth category seniors begin first at 10am, with the rest of the field being spread out at various intervals. The elite riders will have eight and a half minutes to make up before they catch the first starters.

Meanwhile, Oldham-based cycling ace Chris Newton is riding the Bolland Tour in South Africa this week as he continues his preparations for another tough road season.

He will then tackle the prestigious Giro Del Capo from March 4-8.