STARS HEAD TO MOUNTAIN TIME TRIAL

Heading the field for this Sunday's Tyneside Vagabonds Mountain Time Trial is former World Pursuit Champion and World Hour Record holder Graeme Obree.

Obree (pictured on the track) became a household name in the 1990s when he achieved his world success on a home-made bicycle which included parts from his washing machine. The Scot is currently in top form having recently set a new Scottish veterans 10 mile record of 19-40, beating current British 25-mile champion Jason McIntyre by 34 seconds.

Thanks to generous sponsorship from local removals and storage company Quicksilver, the event has attracted a top-class field, with a total prize list standing at more than £1,100, with a £500 first prize.

The main competition for Obree will be provided by current National Circuit Series leader Paul O?Mahoney (Pro Bike kit), former Great Britain rider and ex-professional Julian Ramsbottom (Scunthorpe Poly CC), and multiple Scottish National champion Mark Atkinson (Sandy Wallace Cycles).

O?Mahoney has been is excellent form early-season, although he was beaten by Ramsbottom in the National Circuit series event held last weekend. Former double National Road Race Champion and course-record holder David Cook (Alpine-Rootz) returns this year, as does Keith Murray (Wheelspin Cycles.com) who won in 2005.

Also riding is the winner from 1948, local rider Ron Longstaff, who is now 80 years old. Ron is currently training to compete in the National 24 Hour Championships to be held later this year, where he will become the first 80 year-old rider to take part in the race.

The race starts from 10am at Belsay on Sunday May 13, with Graeme Obree last to start at 11.40am. The race is free to watch, with the best viewing points on top of the timed climb to Bilsmoor and the climb to Winter?s Gibbet, both near Elsdon.