The highly successful Lotus Cars Cycle Race League returns this year in an expanded format that will include a separate race for young riders. The 2006 series attracted entries beyond the organiser's dreams with 50-to-80 riders racing each night.

The highly successful Lotus Cars Cycle Race League returns this year in an expanded format that will include a separate race for young riders. The 2006 series attracted entries beyond the organiser's dreams with 50-to-80 riders racing each night.

For 2007 there will be a 10-race series starting on Wednesday, May 23. The league aims to introduce new riders to the skills and tactics of mass start road racing while at the same time providing serious competition for the more established road rider.

The main race, starting at 7.30pm, will be on a handicap basis and will last about an hour. The race for young riders (over 12 to under16) will be a 20 minute scratch event at 7pm on a small circuit of just under a mile.

Everyone involved will need to be registered with Lotus security in advance - the disciplined behaviour of participants last year has been a major factor in gaining permission to use the company's prestigious test circuit again.

Details can be obtained from Russell Parkins on 01603 4908370 or by email at russellparkins@ntlworld.com.

Meanwhile, BMX riders who have learnt their skills on the new Barclays Spaces for Sport track in Norwich are beginning to compete on the regional scene - several riders were making their mark at the Braintree round of the BMX East Anglia Winter Series.

Mason Parkins led all the way round to take the Formula five final for riders aged under seven, winning three out of the four preliminary motos to boot.

Brother Dane, whose previous successes mean he competes with older riders in Formula four, still managed to win all his heats and made a brave move to lead early in the final, though he was overhauled and eventually took third place.

Norwich riders making their first visit had to get used to the Braintree track which starts with two straights linked to make a 'U' shape and finishes with a series of tight berms in the track centre Further up the age groups, in Formula 2 (14-16 years) Norwich Flyer Spencer Brighten put in an inspired ride to claim second place in the main final while clubmate Alex Richardson got second in the "B" final.

In the top flight, Alan Hill followed up his successful MTB ride last week with five straight wins in the heats and semi-final and led all the way in the final, fighting off a challenge by the Braintree club's young star Bradley Watts.

The East Anglian CC 75 mile reliability trial - the epitome of traditional club riding - attracted 26 starters. A few planned to adopt the modern custom of getting home for lunch, but 17 remained on the route to face a gruelling headwind on the final afternoon leg from Watton to Norwich.

The final Norfolk reliability ride of the winter is Sunday's VC Norwich 55 miler.

The race is scheduled to get underway from the A140 Airport layby at 8.30, 9 or 9.30am.

Contact Malcolm Brown on 01603 890876 for further details.