In the not-too-distant past, we co-promoted the Manchester 2-Day Race on the Sparrowpit Circuit, with Manchester Wheelers. That event fell by the way-side for reasons that aren't fully clear - policing and clashes with other events were issues.

For 2008, Rob Palmer has rejoined the club after spells with a Belgian club and with a UK racing team. Now local again, he has resumed allegiance to us. We wish him every success with his racing... Watch this space for reports.

For more information on general road (and track and MTB) racing events, refer to the website of the National body :-

British Cycling have local and national league events. Other organisations promote road races too. See

• The League International - aka TLI
• The League of Veteran Racing Cyclists - aka LVRC
• Cycling Development North West

These are all creditable organisations, requiring membership and/or Racing Licences. However, the ever-growing band of Cyclo-Sportive events suggest that un-licenced racing is alive and well, if the reports feeding back from these events are true. So, for new-comers, these Sportive events may be a good introduction to test your road-racing ambitions before graduating to the real thing. But, be aware that these are very popular events that have limited entry numbers which fill up very quickly, mostly on-line. Surf or browse and you'll find some. See Advance Listings which regularly appear in Cycling Weekly.