THE Halesowen Road Race will take place over 70 miles of the Astley circuit near Stourport-on-Severn this Sunday.

Starting from Astley Village Hall at 9.30am and finishing at approximately 12.15pm in Pearle Lane, the race will have the maximum allowed field of 80 riders.

Among them will be six riders from Halesowen Athletic and Cycling Club. However, the team will be without junior star Charles Walker. As a result of an outstanding ride in the recent CiCLE Classic, Pedmore's Walker has gained selection in the Junior Lincoln GP.

Perhaps the best hope of a top placing for the team lies with Walker's fellow junior, 16-year-old Sam Dighton, who rode 90 miles in training last Sunday.

Prizes are due to be presented at the end of the race by former professional rider Phil Bayton, who finished in fourth place in the 1972 Olympic Road Race.