Finchley Racing Team opened the 2011 cycle racing season on Saturday, with their three-race promotion at the West London Hillingdon circuit. Despite the squally weather, over 100 riders participated in races for beginners, 2nd category and veteran riders. The main event of the day, the Magic Homes Criterium, was won in a mass sprint by Greg Mansell, son of Formula One legend Nigel, who proved to be as fast on two wheels as his father was on four. Proceeds from the race were donated to charities Barnardo’s Homes and the North London Hospice. On Sunday, Finchley’s Nigel Stephens braved the icy conditions to take second place in the veterans' section of the Classic North Road Hardriders Time Trial held north of Potters Bar.