After a break in the World Cup calendar since the end of May, almost 2 months, the series begins again. The race in Vårgårda (Sweden) on Friday looks exciting. 120 riders are listed on the start sheet and the series is far from over, so there may be some competitive racing in the narrow, twisting lanes.

The race is 128.7km, over 11 laps of a 11.7km circuit. The circuit includes a couple of short, steep climbs through the village streets of Vårgårda, whilst there is a longer, draining hill which lasts about 800m. The riders will definitely feel this towards the end of the event. The run-in to the finish includes some 'street furniture' around the 500m to go point, with two sets of traffic lane dividers and 90' right-hand turn at the 300m to go point, filtering the riders into the start / finish street, which feels narrower than its two lanes prove as being reality. 

Current World Cup leader is Nicole Cooke who rides for the strong Univega Pro Team. Second ranked is Judith Arndt (T-Mobile) and third, Oenone Wood (Nürnberger), who both have strong teams around them too. There are several Swedish riders on the start list, including National Champion, Susanne Ljungskog (Buitenpoort-Flexpoint). Also on the list, making their World Cup debut are 2006's new UCI registered pro team, Team FBUK

The weather forecast for Friday is warm, around 28'C and possibly sunny skies. The race starts at 16:30hrs. Signing on and presentation of the riders is from 15:00hrs in Vårgårda.

This race has been organised by the Vårgårda Cycling Club and is staffed entirely by members and volunteers. 

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