The country’s fastest riders will battle it out in the National 10 Mile Championships along the A4 in Berkshire on Sunday.

Competitors will battle it out for honours in the men’s, women’s and junior categories for the national championship crown.

Last year’s men’s national champion Charlie Quarterman (Zappi Racing Team) will miss this year’s event but there is a strong start-list of riders after his title.

After finishing second last season Christopher Fennell (The Independent Pedaler- Nopinz) has clocked a 18-11 two weeks ago on his way to winning the Medway Velo Club 10 and will be looking to go one better this year.

However, Dan Bigham (Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling) goes off as scratch rider and is unbeaten in open 10s this season- clocking a 17-52 in the Croston Velo event earlier this month.

On that occasion Bigham only beat Kyle Gordon (RT 23) and his team-mate Simon Wilson by five seconds and they could both provide threats for the title.

 Meanwhile, Chris Boddy (AeroCoach), who has a personal best of 17-53, provides an unknown threat having not raced an open this year.

Scratch rider Joss Lowden (Drops Cycling) is looking to defend the title she won last season in a big women’s field.

Lowden clocked 19-42 to win the crown last season and has clocked 19-57 in the Croston Velo 10 earlier this month.

Emily Meakin finished third last season and leads a strong The Independent Pedaler- Nopinz team who are after individual and team honours along with Emma Lewis and Alex Clay.

Meanwhile, road riders Megan Dickerson (SKODA DSI Cycling Academy) and Elizabeth Bennett (Drops Cycling) could also challenge for podium places.

The junior and juvenile men’s and women’s crowns are also up for grabs with reigning junior champion Thomas Day (Zannata Galloo Team) going off last man and he clocked a 18-26 last month.

At the opposite end of the distance scale the Tyneside Vagabonds 100 takes place on Sunday over a three-and-three-quarters lap course in the North East near Morpeth.

Last year’s National 12-Hour Champion Andy Jackson (AeroCoach) will go off last man but will face stiff opposition from Julian MacBride (Team Kirkley Cycles) and Andrew Duggan (Physiohaus) amongst others.

Meanwhile, down in Norfolk the C.C Breckland 30 takes places over three out and back legs on the A11 between Wymondham, Attleborough and Snetterton Motor Racing Circuit.

After finishing second in the Diss & District 25, Lloyd Chapman (Loose Cannon’s Conditioning) will be looking to go one better.

Meanwhile, on Saturday riders will be heading to Yorkshire for the Rutland CC & VTTA 10 which takes place on the A614 near Doncaster.

Under-23 rider Oliver Peckover (ActiveEdge Race Team), Philip Graves (VC York) and Keith Murray (Drag2Zero) will be amongst those going for victory.

A big field are down to start the FTP Racing 10 on the out and back A38 course in Gloucestershire.

David Janes (Swift Performance Coaching) has a personal best of 18-18 and will be taking part in his first open 10 of the season.

Conrad Moss (Primera- Team Jobs) won the Mid Devon 25 earlier and will be looking to add to his tally, meanwhile road rider Max Stedman (HuntBikeWheels.com) could also provide tough competition.

Elsewhere, Daniel Watts (Royal Air Force Cycling Association) goes off as scratch rider in the North Shropshire Wheelers 25 on Sunday.

On Bank Holiday Monday, Essex Roads CC 25 will also provide a close contest with veteran Matthew Smith (Drag2Zero) looking for his second win of the season.

He could face competition from the improving Timothy Torrie (TBW23 Stuart Hall Cycling P/B Trainsharp) who is an early starter.

After riding the previous day’s National 10, Alexander Royle (Manchester Bicycle Club will be amongst those battling it out in the Drighlington BC 25.

Finally, Christopher McNamara (Nuun-Sigma Sport-London RT) will be looking to continue his form in the Sussex CA 25.

* All reports are copyright of Cycling Time Trials/Snowdon Sports. Not to be used without permission. BG