Speed Skating: River City on a roll

Defending champion Dale Christoffersen (rear) and last season placegetters Mark McCormack (front) and Andrew Jones are tipped to rule again on the River City Tour this weekend.

The 8th annual Wanganui Skating Club St John's Club Rivercity Speed Skating Tour this weekend is set for an epic battle between defending premier titleholders and a host of rivals from throughout the country.

Skaters from as far afield as Dunedin and Auckland will be entering the two-day event and with the return of defending champions Dale Christoffersen and Ariana Snook the scene is set for some exciting racing.

Christoffersen, a New Zealand World team member this year, will be defending his Premier Men's title against Whanganui's Andrew Jones who recently ventured south and defeated both Christoffersen and fellow entrant Mark McCormark of Dunedin in a marathon event. Christoffersen is a specialist sprinter, but Jones is no slouch over the shorter distances either.

South Canterbury's Ariana Snook had to battle all the way to defeat Whanganui skaters Renee Teers and Monique Cleeve last year. Both local girls are back and stronger than ever.

The possibility they will be joined by Masters World Champion Krystine Davies makes this an intriguing matchup. Palmerston North youngster Serenity Griffiths should also be in the mix.

The Men's B grade will feature Whanganui young guns Chase Morpeth , Drew Brennan and Josh Valentine and it will be another close fought battle against some strong Hamilton competition.

The C Grade will see the competition debut of several new Whanganui skaters. Tazia Parker will be one to watch along with Avalee Laird, but the smart money would be backing Keira Brennan and siblings Keira and Lucas Hodgson.

Mickey Zhang and Gabby Valentine will lead the hometown charge in the Primary /Novice grade.

Racing starts at 10am on Saturday at Kowhai Park and shifts to the river walkway at 2pm before the final Saturday stage at Mega Mitre 10 at 6.30pm where the 666m Time Trial will see the Mega Mitre 10 and Creative Aluminium prize which has jackpotted, go to this year's winner.

Sunday racing will be in the Jubilee Stadium beginning at 9am and all spectators are welcome free of charge.