East Anglian-based building supplies company Kent Blaxill is sponsoring this year’s Jock Wadley Cycle Road Race, which will feature top UK riders, including three-times Olympic gold medallist Ed Clancy.

The field of 80 riders contesting the 85-mile race south of Colchester on 12 March will also feature Australia’s 2015 ‘Wadley’ winner Steele Von Hoff, riding for One Pro, and British Junior Road Race champion Jacob Vaughan.

It is the 35th edition of the race, which is promoted by Colchester Rovers Cycling Club.

Simon Blaxill, managing director of Kent Blaxill, said: “The Wadley promises to be a classic this year with teams of six entered by both JLT Condor and One Pro. The remainder of the 80-rider field consists of mainly Elite and First category riders from trade teams across the country who will be looking to make a name for themselves.

“In the past, the race has been won by young riders such as Luke Rowe and Jon Tiernan-Locke who have gone on to ride for top teams such as Sky.”

The prize money for the event has been increased to £900 this year with £200 going to the winner.