ONCE again the road racing season in the South West opens with the Mid-Devon Cycling Club promoted Primavera Road Races on Sunday (February 25).

There will be two races. The race for the elite, first, second and third category riders will be over some 58 miles. The race for the category three and four riders will be over 48 miles. Both races have their headquarters at Hatherleigh and start at 10.30am and 10.35am respectively.

The race route takes the riders westwards on the A3072 towards Hatherleigh. Just after passing Highampton the riders reach Beara Cross and the start of an 11.5 mile circuit. The race continues on the A3072 past Brandis Corner to Dunsland Cross where they swing south east until they reach Halwill Junction. It takes a sharp left at the village roundabout into Station Road and Chill Road to return to Beara Cross and the end of the circuit.

The shorter race will complete three full circuits. The one for the elite riders will do a further lap. The race then goes right and back through Highampton and down to Hatherleigh. At the roundabout they take the first exit onto the town’s by-pass with the finish line being very close to the top of the hill.

As the riders approach Halwill Junction on each lap there will be a lap prize. Some riders may see this as an opportunity to launch an attack.

Among the riders will be Marcin Bialoblocki from Poland who two years ago broke clear with some 25 miles to go and stormed to a fine solo win. In 2017 he completed the Tour d’Italia. Also entered is David Kovacs who has been the Hungarian road and time trial champion at junior and Espoir (under 23) levels along with Andrew Turner of Team KTM. Matt Downie is the current South Regional Road Race champion. There are also strong teams from Latchem Sunwise RT, Primera – Team Jobs, Spirit Tifosi RT, Team Tor 2000 and TriUk.

Riders from the Mid-Devon CC include two juniors, Harrison Wood and Louie Priddle.