Riders keen to set an early 50-mile benchmark in the British Best All Rounder (BBAR) competition are heading to Hampshire this weekend for the a3crg 50-mile event.

The Nifty Fifty Time Trial on Sunday sees competitors battle over two out and back laps along the A3 between Liphook and Petersfield.

The event has attracted some of the leading veteran names and Spindata predicts a close battle for victory.

Paul Burton (Paceline RT) won the same event last season and placed 11th in the National 50-mile Championship last year.

Spindata predict that veteran Burton will take the win in 1-38-43. However, he is expected to be closely pushed by in-form Christopher McNamara (Sigma Sports Race Team) who finished second in the Hounslow & District Whs 100 last weekend.

Also amongst the open contenders are Andy Critchlow (Team Ohten Aveas), Simon McNamara (Sigma Sports Race Team) and Liam Maybank (Twickenham CC).

Alex Clay (Team Bottrill) has won both of her open events so far this season and is predicted to lead the women’s event.

She faces competition from last season’s National 12-hour winner and her Team Bottrill team-mate Kim Barfoot-Brace.

Amongst the other woman challengers are Claire Emons (...a3crg), Lisa Davis (DRAG2ZERO) and Sarah Matthews (...a3crg).

Predicted to be quickest of the road bike competitors is Luke Walton (Elevate RT) after he won the ECCA 25 earlier this season.

Another BBAR 50-mile event on Sunday, but on a more challenging sporting course, is the Maldon & Dist CC 50.

Alex Dowsett (Nopinz) is expected to dominate proceedings, while road bike competitor Mike Debney (Verulam Really Moving) could challenge the overall podium positions.

Amongst the women’s challengers are Jan Harvey (Southend Wheelers) and road bike competitor Paulina Monzal (Chelmer CC).

Hoping for good conditions on Saturday lunchtime are those down to ride the Yorkshire Road Club 25.

The open competition is set to be closely fought with Spindata predicting that the top eight riders will be separated by under two minutes.

Junior rider Joe Cosgrove (Team Bottrill) has finished in the overall podium positions on two occasions already this season and is tipped to go quickest.

He comes up against the experienced Marcel Schubert (Zurbaran Racing) and Euan Adam (Durham City Velo).

Joseph Healy (Ravensthorpe CC) is predicted to be fastest road bike competitor and Beth Grogan (Selby CC) the quickest woman.

The Chester Road Club 25 on Sunday morning has attracted 80 entries, with scratch rider Jozsef Owen (ADDFORM Vive Le Velo) predicted to take victory.

Owen has taken two open victories from three rides this season but is expected to be pushed by the likes of George Elliott (Liverpool Century RC) and Toby Williams (Velotik Racing Team).

Amongst the women’s competitors is Laura Gray (Total Tri Training) and Deb Hutson-Lumb (Wrekinsport CC).

Veteran Mark Lovatt (Congleton CC – MyWindsock) has won three open road bike events this season and could add to his tally in that category.

The Tyne & Wear Fire Service CC 12-mile event is set to see 65 riders battle for honours in Northumberland on Sunday lunchtime.

Lewis Wake (Team Kirkley Cycles) will take some stopping after winning five of his six open events this season and finishing runner-up in the other.

The individual and team honours will be closely fought with Muckle Cycle Club and GS Metro both having strong teams.

Alexander Storey (GS Metro) has won three road bike events this season and could take another in Latchingdon.

Veteran Sarah Wilkinson (Blaydon CC) will be hoping to open her winning account for the season in the women’s event.

She faces the likes of Claire Harlow (Team Kirkley Cycles) and road bike competitor Sarah Wann (EMC Cycling).

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