Whilst festival organisers worked on publicity by sending out information to over 250 cycling clubs around Britain, the racing section spearheaded by Rich Brooks has proved very successful with Rich becoming the Manchester and District Time Trial Association's 2006 25 mile champion.

Rich had a clear win of 40secs over nearest rival from Macclesfield Wheelers to record an impressive time of 56mins.46secs. The standard of the field being shown by the first 9 getting inside the hour.

With Leek clearly on the map as always for time trial success, Festival organisers are hoping for similar success thanks to the support being provided by sponsors.

Support to mail out to 250 cycling clubs being made possible thanks to Seaton Kennerley of Howsons Chartered Accountants by providing the stationary, who no doubt will be supporting the next 'countdown' event being planned by club sponsors Den Engel.

This is the 'Belgian Experience' on Sunday the 4th. June at Den Engel where for £10 you will be expertly guided through a special selection of Belgian beer and food. This was previously postponed due to awaiting the specific selection of beers to arrive. As with all these events they are contributing to raising money for the Air Ambulance Appeal. Book early as numbers are limited.

Entries are now building for the main events in August, the 130Km & 72Km Sportives. This growing concept in cycling is open to everyone and is not a race but a timed event over a testing Moorlands course that will bring upwards of 500 cyclists into the town. Entries have come in from as far afield as Devon and Edinburgh and the next report will outline the support coming from local companies to ensure success.

The next task is to enlist club members and friends to manage the events planned, so if anyone interested in promoting cycling or helping or taking part, then contact Graham Halden on 01538-372391

Interest is already growing as numbers increase on the regular Monday evening social rides, the next on the 15th May at 6.45pm outside Den Engel.