ALEX Dowsett is set to compete at the Jock Wadley Memorial road cycling race, organised by the Colchester Rovers Cycling Club, which returns on Sunday.

This year marks the 40th edition of the race, sponsored by Colchester-based Chaill Design Consultants, is one of the most highly-regarded events in the national road racing calendar.

The race is made up of 12 laps, 134 kms (about 83.26 miles), in the anti-clockwise direction around the Abberton Reservoir, one of Europe's top wetland sites.

Previous winners include Luke Rowe (now INEOS Grenadiers) who won it in 2008 and Jonathan Tiernan-Locke (formally Team Sky) in 2010, other noteworthy riders over the years have been Ed Clancy OBE, x2 winner Andy Lyons, now team boss of Richardson Trek.

The Jock Wadley course over the years has produced some exciting racing, especially the 2023 edition which was won at a record speed by Alexandar Richardson of team Saint Piran.Alexandar returns again with his St Piran UCI Continental team mates.

Joining the race this year is former world hour record holder and pro-rider Dowsett, from Cock Clarks, who broke track cycling's world hour record by 446 metres, in 2015.

Race organiser this year is Colchester Rovers vice chairman Nick Swainston,who was handed the reigns by Malcolm Hargreaves, who stepped down after last year's race following a very successful 24 years in the role of race organiser.

Malcolm's commitment has been instrumental in transforming the Jock Wadley Road Race into the prestigious early season classic that it is today.

Given the prediction of rainfall and the enthusiasm of 80 participants to demonstrate their skills after the winter break, the competition is expected to be intense.

Riders leave the race headquarters at Layer de le Haye Village Hall, New Cut, Layer de le Haye, CO2 0EW.

The race starts at 11am, but the Rovers race team, marshals and officials will be at the village hall from 8am for set up.

The event pays tribute to Jock Wadley, Colchester Rovers member and influential cycling journalist who played a significant role in introducing British audiences to European cycle racing through his work with publications like The Bicycle, Sporting Cyclist, and International Cycle Sport.

Jock’s working life as a cycling journalist and writer lasted more than 40 years.

John Wadley, or Jock as was known in local cycling circles, was a journalist and author whose passion for cycling and cycle races brought the Tour de France and other continental racing to fans in Britain.

Jock was a true clubman and former president of the Colchester Rovers.

His unexpected death in 1981 is why the prestigious Jock Wadley road race exists as a very fitting and long-lasting tribute to a pioneer, gentleman, clubman and passionate cyclist.