Cycling: North-south split for Claire

CAPITAL cyclist Claire Thomas faces a busy weekend as she tackles competitions both north and south of the Border, writes COLIN RENTON.

The Edinburgh RC rider lines up in the Grand Prix des Dames in Blackpool, the latest round of the British Cycling Women's Road Race Series, tonight.

Thomas currently tops the table and a good result will extend her lead, with nearest challengers Dani King (Vision 1 racing) and another Edinburgh RC rider Anne Ewing both absentees.

Thomas will then take part in the penultimate round of the Scottish Power Renewables Super Six Series in Aberdeen where she will be looking to overhaul Ewing in the overall standings.

In the men's competition, leader Gary Hand of the West Lothian outfit Endura RT will make the same journey in reverse, with the Aberdeen race being followed by the latest round of the men's British Cycling Premier Calendar in Blackpool on Sunday.

Joining him on the trip south will be colleagues Evan Oliphant and Ross Creber, who will hope to build on good performances in last weekend's British Road Race Championships.