Race guide: HSBC UK | Spring Cup Series - East Cleveland Klondike Grand Prix

Race guide: HSBC UK | Spring Cup Series - East Cleveland Klondike Grand Prix

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The best road racing teams in Britain will descend on Guisborough in North Yorkshire on Sunday 2 April for the opening round of the 2017 HSBC UK | Spring Cup Series - the East Cleveland Klondike Grand Prix.

The series opens with a brand new addition to the elite road racing circuit; the Klondike Grand Prix which boasts a three-lap course packed with punchy climbs and stunning scenery.

Course

Ones to watch

How to follow the race

About the series

Overview map of the 2017 HSBC UK | Spring Cup Series

The Spring Cup Series is a four-round British road race series which will run throughout April and May and will see riders compete across a variety of courses.

The series opens with the inaugural East Cleveland race and is then followed by another brand-new event, The Tour of the Wolds; on a flat course, ideal for sprinters and circuit racing specialists.

The series next travels to the much-loved Chorley Grand Prix, which served as the 2016 series opener. Expect a furiously contested finish on this, a favourite course of many of the riders.

Closing the series is the Lincoln Grand Prix, with an eight-mile circuit race over cobbles and up the fearsome Michaelgate to the lofty cathedral and castle perched atop the city, which hosts the closing stages; a classic race in its own right.

As well as the glory of individual victories, riders will battle to top the overall individual standings while the teams will aim to triumph in the team standings.

The course

HSBC UK | Spring Cup Series begins with the East Cleveland Klondike Grand Prix route map

The 92.5-mile East Cleveland Klondike Grand Prix begins in Guisborough and then takes in three laps of the surrounding villages before heading back for a shorter 5 mile loop around the town.

With five significant climbs as well as the resulting descents on each of the longer circuits, expect to see breakaway attempts by punchier riders and a peloton working together hoping to reel in any escapees in order to give their sprinters a chance on the final circuit course.

An unclassified women’s circuit race will take place over the town centre loop to entertain crowds while the men’s race is out on the longer loop.

Ones to watch

The teams competing in the 2017 HSBC UK | Spring Cup Series

Many of the top contenders from last year’s Spring Cup Series are back, alongside burgeoning new talents and some Olympic track medallists returning to their road bikes.

Last year’s overall winner, Adria Moreno Sala (Raleigh GAC), topped the individual standings without winning a single race in 2016 thanks to his consistently strong finishes. Will that be enough to secure him the overall podium this year?

Last year’s winner of the Lincoln Grand Prix, Tom Stewart (ONE Pro Cycling), will also feature in the series opener in new kit, having changed allegiance to his new team over the winter.

Eagle-eyed track cycling fans should look out for Olympic gold medallist Ed Clancy (JLT Condor) as he returns to domestic duty on the roads after focussing solely on the team pursuit ahead of Rio.

Another intriguing rider to watch out for is three-time 2017 British track champion Daniel Bigham, as he takes to the road with his team Brother NRG Driverplan; can the young rider turn track success into victory on the road?

After his sister Pfeiffer rode to a sensational victory in the junior women’s Gent-Wevelgem classic in Belgium last weekend, eyes turn to her bother Etienne Georgi of Team Wiggins to see if success on the road runs in the family.

Start list

How to follow the East Cleveland Klondike Grand Prix

  • Follow the East Cleveland Klondike Grand Prix with our live blog on the British Cycling website from 11.45am on Sunday.
  • Follow @BritishCycling on Twitter for updates throughout the race.
  • Video highlights, report, results, images and reaction will appear on the British Cycling website.