I will be at the National Road Race Champs tomorrow in North Yorkshire and it promises to be the most open race for a couple of years. Sky riders Brad, G and Cav are absent as they labour under the illusion that the Tour de France and the Olympics are more important. This leaves the way open not only for Skys Stannard and Swift but also the likes of Tiernan-Locke and Downing (Russ) of Endura and Kristian House of Rapha Condor Sharp.

Personally i will be rooting for Tiernan-Locke and Stannard although the supremely talented Scott Thwaites may just spring a surprise.

In the ladies race Nicole Cooke is likely to get worked over by the AA Drinks girls which is always good to see (sorry Nicole but you will never get a mention in “How to Win Friends and Influence People”). Favourite is the lovely Lizzie Armitstead. Emma Pooley will run her close.

Report to follow early next week with hopefully a few decent pics