The first races in Clifton Cycling Club's 2006 Time Trial series takes place tomorrow on quiet country roads around Sheriff Hutton.

Always popular with Clifton members and other local riders, this year's series departs from tradition by mixing a flat ten-mile circuit with the

club's usual Sporting Course (SPOCO) events on more demanding circuits.

Series organiser Paul Musgrave said: "As a club we have made a decision to ensure time trialling takes place on safe roads.

"As other local time-trialling events have focussed on riding on dual carriageways to get fast times, we decided to expand our usual SPOCO series to include flat events for those who want to test themselves over the time-honoured measured '10' but on quieter, largely traffic-free roads."

As a result, the series makes a perfect introduction to competitive cycling for anyone who cycles just to get fit.

To encourage new riders, sponsor Cycle Heaven on Bishopthorpe Road are providing helmets as prizes for the best newcomer in each category. Andy Shrimpton, of Cycle Heaven, said: "We already work to support

Clifton CC but were especially keen to help promote this series of events.

"They provide an ideal introduction to competition for cyclists, and many of the club's successful racers would have started this way. Lots of people will be watching next year's Tour de France start with a time trial in London - why not have a go at one to see what it's like?"

Open to all, each event in the series starts at 7.30pm (signing-on at 7pm), and the series runs each week until August 3.

Entry costs £4 per event (less for TLI members), which provides insurance cover and series prizes for seniors, juniors, veterans and ladies, plus the newcomers' prizes.

Further details can be obtained from Paul Musgrave on 01904 750821 or email info@cliftoncc.org or from the Clifton website at www.cliftoncc.org

Updated: 11:21 Wednesday, May 17, 2006