Josh Edmondson will line up as one of the main favourites for the Junior National Championships this Sunday in Brecon, South Wales.
The Motorpoint rider comes straight from a stage win and the overall at the Isle of Man leg of the Junior National Series and will be sure to fare well on the hilly circuit.
"I've had a brief look at the course and it's got a few little climbs," Edmondson commented. "I could do with it being a bit hillier but I'm sure it's going to break up".
In terms of favourites, Edmondson expected, "Sam Harrison to be going well and Dan McLay can never be ruled out". Local man Harrison will be aiming to break his victory duck: a gifted climber, the Planet X rider was second to Edmondson in the Isle of Man, hoping to go one better this weekend.
McLay meanwhile, who took a fine second place in the recent Junior Paris-Roubaix, may be without his pavé but will be looking to be at the head of proceedings come the weekend.
All the big names have won here in the past: from Jeremy Hunt, to Steve Cummings and Peter Kennaugh, all of whom have gone on to the bright lights of the professional ranks.
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Separating them from the esteemed white, blue and red jersey of national champ is a hilly 74-mile course, including the brutal Defynnog climb.
Edmundson one of the key favourites for the weekend
MCNALLY IN THE TOP 20 IN HOLLAND
AN Post-Sean Kelly rider Mark McNally is continuing to fare well in his debut season in the continental ranks.
The Liverpudlian finished 20th in Wednesday's Batavus Prorace, near the head of the peloton.
Team Milram rider Markus Eichler took victory from a breakaway, outsprinting Bram Schmitz.
BROMPTONS BACK AT BLENHEIM
The wacky Brompton World Championships return to Blenheim Palace this autumn for the event's third successive showing in the UK.
Held as part of the annual Bike Blenheim Palace event, the championships this year will be open to some 750 riders due to popular demand.
This year's event takes place on the same circuit as in previous years (two laps of a 6.5km loop), allowing competitive Brompton riders the chance to try and better the times of previous winners, Roberto Heras and Alastair Kay.
Rules for the event are still pretty straightforward: helmets are a must, as are a blazer or suit jacket, collared shirt and tie. Sports attire is absolutely not permitted, unless it is hidden by the approved kit.
There are prizes for the best-dressed, so competitors are encouraged to make an effort.
The deadline for registration is Sunday September 19, or whenever the event is full. Full details may be found on the Brompton website: www.brompton.co.uk
Heras in action at the Bromtpon World Championships
LAST FEW ENTRIES AVAILABLE FOR MIDLAND MONSTER
The last few entries are still available for this weekend's Midland Monster sportive.
In its second running, the event is the only truly Midlands sportive starting and finishing at the Rosliston Forestry Centre near Burton-on-Trent.
There are three options available depending on how sprightly you feel because each one is hilly: 103, 73 and 15 miles. The latter is free to enter.
For more information and to enter online visit www.wheelsinwheels.com
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