Keighley ace Tom Barras flies out to America this week to ride several classic races against top-class international opposition.

Barras, riding for the Plowman Craven team, will join his team-mates in California to keep their race fitness ticking over while the domestic Premier Calendar Series takes a break for five weeks.

Among their itinerary are two four-day stage races - the Redlands Classic and the Sea Otter Classic - while the team will also compete in a couple of shorter criterium races.

Barras was in action last weekend in the Tour of the Reservoir Premier Calendar race in County Durham, and crossed the line 13th after another impressive performance.

After crashing heavily during the previous week's Girvan Three-Day in Scotland over Easter, Barras has done only light training.

"I've been having regular visits to the physiotherapist and chiropractor to sort out my back and my neck, because basically I have whiplash," he said.

"The race went OK, although it was a bit disappointing.

"Our best-placed guy was third, whereas we really went all out for the win."

Barras was due to fly out of the new Heathrow Terminal Five on his way to California.

But he wasn't too concerned about the chances of his luggage - and his bike - going missing in the baggage chaos.

"As long as I get out there with my Speedos, I'll be OK," he joked.