THE Nelson Wheelers promotion of the Circuit of the Dales has a long and glorious history going back 50 years with many epic performances in all-weather conditions on the 50 mile course between Ingleton, Kirkby Lonsdale, Sedburgh, Hawes and back to Ingleton.

This year's edition is scheduled for this coming Sunday and with course record holder Gethin Butler unavailable due to road racing commitments for his newly formed Men's Health team, it is unlikely that his record of under two hours for the hilly course will be beaten.

Likely winner is last man off Peter Smith of the Carlisle-based Border City Wheelers, who leaves the starting time keeper at precisely 10.30am but he will not have an easy ride with several East Lancashire riders in the field who could also pull off the victory.

These include Graham Waddington of the Pendle Forest Cycling Club, Paul Anscombe of the Clayton Velo and Dave Ebbrell of the Blackburn and District Cyclists Touring Club.

Nelson Wheelers own Bill Baxter will lead the contestants away at shortly after 8.30am, and headquarters for this classic event is Ingleton Community Centre.

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