WHERE: Colchester, Essex

After the successful first edition of the Sherpa Performance Stage Race in 2024, we now bring to you the Spring Stage Race for Masters 40+ and 2/3/4's which will be held in April. This is alongside the Regional and National edition, which will be in the same format as 2024 which will be held in August.

Each stage race will involve four thrilling stages in and around Colchester, Essex.

The Spring edition will have 2 separate stage races; one Regional event for 2nd/3rd/4th category riders and a Masters 40+ event.

There will be fierce competition in both events with jerseys on offer in both stage races. This includes the coveted Yellow Jersey for the overall classifications, Green Jersey for the best sprinter and a team prize for the best team of three. The Masters event will have a classification for the best 50+ rider.

Both events will be Regional A British Cycling points which is 30 points for the overall with points down to 15th place, and 10 points for each stage with points down to 10th place.

Both events are strictly limited to 60 riders and will be accepted on a first come, first served basis with a maximum of 6 riders from one team. If there are more then 6 entries from one team by 2 weeks before the event, and there are still spaces available, then these riders will be accepted.

Saturday 12th April

The first stage of both stage races will involve a short 8km road bike only time trial around the Abberton Reservoir which could be the difference between winning or losing general classification places.

TIMINGS

234 Stage 1 – 08:30

Masters 40+ Stage 1 – 09:30

Signing on: Open from 07:00 - The Hare & Hounds, Crayes Green, Layer Breton, Colchester CO2 0PN, United Kingdom

After the time trial, both stage races will involve a road race around Abberton Reservoir, which is one of Europe’s top Wetland sites. Each race will have 4 laps around the 18.2km circuit which goes through Great Wigborough, Peldon, Langenhoe, Abberton and Layer de la Haye. Each time across the line there will be green jersey points on offer.

TIMINGS

234 Stage 2 – 12:00, 72km Road Race

Masters 40+ Stage 2 – 14:30, 72km Road Race

Sunday 13th April

On the second day of racing, each stage race will have 2 60 minute circuit races around the 1-mile Colchester Northern Gateway Sports park. The purpose-built circuit is one of the longest cycle tracks in the UK and will produce aggressive racing, with each stage a different direction around the course.

TIMINGS

234 Stage 3  – 09:00 (Anticlockwise)

Masters 40+ Stage 3 – 10:30 (Anticlockwise)

234 Stage 4 – 13:30 (Clockwise)

Masters 40+ Stage 4 – 15:00 (Clockwise)