SOME of the region's top cyclists will be tackling the Clifton Cycling Club/Cycle Heaven road race on Sunday.

It is a two-stage event, held just north of York, with a short, fast time trial in the morning, followed by a 55-mile road race in the afternoon.

That favours good all-rounders - those with tactical know-how may do well in the road race, but the time trial is an individual discipline requiring strength and speed. Overall placings will be calculated from the joint time in both stages.

Race organiser Andy Johnston said: "Including the prologue time trial makes it more exciting both for riders and spectators. Riders who need to make up time lost in the prologue are forced to attack in the road race. We have more than 50 entries from riders all over the region and expect it to be a big success."

The club has plenty of expertise in organisation, having run a highly successful time trial series in the same area through the earlier months of the summer - also supported by Bishopthorpe Road cycle shop Cycle Heaven.

Sunday' event begins with the first rider setting off on the time trial at 10am, and the road race starting at 1pm. The day will finish with a prize-giving at Sheriff Hutton village hall.