ONE of the problems faced by cyclists wanting some good races in which to compete is that the sport lacks an organisation to compile the cycling calendar, writes CHRIS DAVIES.

This causes major problems.

The annual Tour of Cranborne Chase, held under jurisdiction of British Cycling, and the Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers 100-mile time trail - a major qualifying time trial for the South District Best All-Rounder Competition - were held within a few miles of each other in East Dorset on the same day earlier this month.

But, apart from Bournemouth Womens' CA ten-mile race for mixed teams of two - taking place in Sopley, near Ringwood, this afternoon - and a club 25 organised by Bognor Regis CC in west Sussex tomorrow morning, there is nothing listed for open competition this weekend.

Nationally, the British 24-hour championship - a race which has attracted a little support from the south coast clubs - is the only major event taking place this weekend, but that can't explain the lack of local races.

I hope that clubs with a history of promoting the sport on local roads will try to avoid clashes of dates and events. But if history is to repeat itself, there is little hope.

At regional level, officials of one national body show reluctance at communicating with their counterparts in others.