Where does the time go? One minute I am sat at the computer planning events and  thinking March is never going to arrive, the next minute its here and I am struggling to get miles in the bank for what will be my busiest year yet, writes Howard Johnson.

Every Wednesday, Cyclosport.org will be offering desktop wallpaper to decorate your PC or Mac with some inspirational cyclosportive photographs from some of the UK's biggest events. The photographs are courtesy of leading sportive photography company, Sportive Photo. Wallpaper 10/03/2010 now online.

Regular Cyclosort.org Twitterers will know that we've given out plenty of swish white Cervelo kit out over the past few months. But to mix things up a bit, we're giving away a black training jersey and aero race bib shorts in size medium. Cervelo are one of the most popular teams in the peloton today, so here's your chance to get your hands on some cool kit ready for the summer sportives over on our Twitter.

Cyclosport.org has been working hard to bring you some new and exciting features over the past few months. Now, you can export each (or all) of our events into your own work calendar to make sure you can effectively plan your events with other commitments. The new, and free service is compatible with Microsoft Outlook, Google Calendar and iCalendar. You can also now subscribe to our new, Cyclosport news feed, via RSS.

Hi, I'm David. I’m 46 years old, devilishly (ahem) good looking but I’ve popped on a few kilos over the last few months with end of year merriment. Follow me on my new Cyclosport blog where I receive top advice and testing from experts at F.I.T as I train for sportives this year such as the Tour of Flanders, Verenti Dragon Ride and The London-Paris Cycle Tour. This week, I'm assessing my goals and being analysed by Simon at F.I.T.

Southern Sportive are launching a brand new Sportive event concept on March 28th, with the first of their Sportive Training Days from Duncton on the South Downs. The sportive scene is becoming more sophisticated, and the Training Days are designed to cater for the growing number of riders who want to make smart performance gains in their riding.

Cyclosport blogger Howard Johnson looks back at his recent bike fit at RaceScene in Barnsley and discovers it's more than just choosing a bike he thinks will get on with him. What about his background? Did he have any medical conditions? Was he suffering from any injuries? What were his realistic expectations and goals? They're all questions the bike fitters attempted to take into consideration.

England and New Zealand rugby legends, Will Carling and Zinzan Brooke will be riding The London-Paris 2010, a professional event for amateurs which features rolling roads and full logistical support. Carling and his team will be riding for the international children’s charity Right To Play, which aims to improve the lives of the world’s children by using the power of sport and play for development, health and peace.

Traidcraft has announced that it is to sponsor the Northern Rock Cyclone Challenge sportive for the third year running – and that it’s looking for riders to raise cash to help people work their way out of poverty. The organisation will also be giving out its yummy Geobar fair trade cereal bars at feed stations on the 33, 63 and 104 mile Northern Rock Cyclone Challenge routes to give riders a tasty energy boost.

It’s fair to say that getting excited about a woolly hat is rather difficult. I was of that opinion, until I received the Etxeondo 3-in-1 Winter Hat, available from Prendas and as used by some bloke called Alberto Contador. With a drawstring at the top, it can act as a scarf, a neck and face buff as well as a winter hat. And it's rapidly becoming one of my favourite pieces of kit, writes Adam Tranter.

The Organisers of the Southern Sportive have announced a major new sportive for this summer. The Great Western Sportive on June 20th is the headline event of the Great Swindon Bike Ride weekend, and will stand alongside the Southern as one the seasons premier events, with a 2000 rider limit.

The Cyclosport.org team took a trip up to Manchester for the 50th Anniversary British Cycling Gala Dinner on Saturday 20th February. Along with Director Sven Thiele, Editor Adam Tranter and Administrator Jane Blanco was regular Cyclosport blogger Howard Johnson, who has this report of the evening’s shenanigans.

Specialized will be organising a new Sportive event in 2010 called the Specialized Silverstone Sportive. The multi choice distance challenge will be held at the Porsche Experience Centre and will start from the exclusive Porsche tracks next to Silverstone Formula 1 Grand Prix Circuit on July 4th, 2010.

VC10 is an exciting new internet based club formed to provide cyclists at every level with a club they feel is their own regardless of their location in the UK. VC10’s 66 mile and 100 mile Sportive is the one to ride if you are considering doing the Fred Whitton or the Etape this year. There is some serious climbing in the route. Plus there is a sting in the tail, one of the toughest climbs in the Chilterns, White Leaf Hill. The new sportive takes place on 18th April this spring.

The Sydenham Reliability that was meant to take place on Sunday 15th February had to be cancelled on the morning due to snow and poor weather conditions. The event is on rescheduled and will take place on Sunday 7^th March. Hopefully next time the weather will be a lot better!

When the batch of Le Col clothing first hit the Cyclosport.org desk, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d heard of Le Col, but only because I’ve had my ear to the ground. It’s a relatively small set up, headed up by former professional cyclist Yanto Barker, but Le Col has the style and quality to mount a challenge to the big players, writes Adam Tranter.

For many cyclists, coffee is a religion. It seems logical then, for Paris-Roubaix winner Magnus Backstedt, to set up his own coffee brand to help fund the development of young cyclists. It’s a smooth taste with a relatively forceful kick, I opted for the ground espresso option which is an ideal wake up, and has sent me out the door invigorated before a few training rides.