West Sussex club GS Stella get the road season underway this weekend with two time trials at Storrington, both of which include the tough climb at Houghton Hill.

Each event has a separate prize list, with the main prizes going to the riders with the fastest time overall.

Some top riders have entered, most of them opting to ride in both events and compete for the overall prize.

They include Mark Jones (GS Stella), Tim Stevens (34th Nomads), Neil Coleman (Endura), Keith Coffey (Bec CC), Dave Dent (SP Systems), Rowan Horner (St Raphael) and last year's overall winner, Hastings rider Peter Tadros (Interbike).

Tadros said: "I would like to win it again but I had an accident in the autumn and my road bike was wrecked. While I've been waiting for the insurance claim to be sorted I have had to train on a mountain bike and I haven't touched a road bike all winter.

"I'll have one for the races but my normal training routine has been disrupted. Still, you can never forecast anyone's form at the start of the season. I could win one of the events although I don't think I'm as fit as I was this time last year."

Both events start one mile south of Storrington on the B2139. Saturday's 11-mile event starts at 2pm. The route is via Houghton Hill to Whiteways Lodge and back.

Sunday's 27-mile event starts at 10am and the circuit is via Houghton Hill, Fontwell, Arundel by-pass, Patching, Findon and Washington roundabout to finish in Sullington.

British Cycling's performance director Peter Keen, who was awarded on OBE in the New Year's Honours List, is among those backing a campaign to improve facilities for track racing.

His call follows Britain's achievement in winning three gold medals and a silver and bronze in last year's world track championships.

Brighton's track at Preston Park is among those that could make a good case for an injection of cash.

The campaign has been boosted by a MORI poll showing that schoolchildren now place cycling above football as a favourite out of school activity.

This is borne out by the increasing numbers of youngsters showing an interest in racing at Preston Park.