Chas Messenger Stage Race preview

With last years winner John Tanner deciding to spend the weekend with his family, he leaves the second and third Mark Lovatt (Planet X) and Warrick Spence (London Dynamo) in the hunt to take honours along with 2003 victor Rob Enslin (Viner Bikes/Agisko) in this year's edition of the Chas Messenger Stage Race, April 30 - May 2.

The previous podium placers will have to contend with strong opposition from Recycling.co.uk/MG's Snodden, Greenwood, Oliphant, and Cowell along with riders from from Team DFL. Stuart Dangerfield (Science in Sport), Zak Carr (Team Clean) and strong teams from JE James Cycles (Coulson/Hewitt/Higgins and Wordsworth); and local teams from Team Milton Keynes, AW Cycles and Team Synergy and Angliasport RT are also included.

The first stage is at Hillingdon cycle circuit over 64km on Saturday April 30. The following day sees the race move to Stewkley, Bucks as the HQ for a 10km individual time trial based on the Cublington Circuit in the morning starting at 10:00; with a 90km road race stage on the circuit in the afternoon. Monday 2nd May is the fourth and final stage at Chilton over 110km.

Organiser Ian Chatfield says that now in its third year the race continues to grow in strength, and hopes it lives up to the expectations of the field. With the pending reorganisation of the British Cycling Competition Structure, it will be necessary to reorganize the format next year to encourage the growth of the race.

Chas Messenger was the man who established the Milk Race Tour of Britain has spent over 50 years as organiser, administrator, and team manager. As National Team Manager he was the man behind the same day World Championship road race victories of Beryl Burton and Graham Webb in 1967 in Holland.