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Bank Holiday TT Showdown: Aug 23-25 Previews!

The weekend of August 23-24 promises a thrilling line-up of Cycling Time Trials (CTT) events across the UK, from nail-biting close encounters in Sussex to stacked championships in the North. With the season winding down, these open events offer prime opportunities for BBAR points, personal bests, and district honours. Spindata predictions highlight razor-thin margins and strong fields, particularly in women's categories and veteran races. Favourable conditions are expected in many regions, setting the stage for fast times.

Saturday's Events: Close Racing in the South and Speed in the West

Saturday kicks off with the Sussex CA Robin’s Sporting Weekend, where some of the tightest battles of the season are anticipated near Kirdford in West Sussex. The 10-mile event looks particularly fascinating, with Spindata showing just two seconds between the top two in both road bike and time trial bike categories. In the road bike showdown, Howard Bayley (@a3crg) and Cosmo Derangi (Brighton Mitre Cycling Club) are tipped to go head-to-head, while Robin Kirk (Velo Club Godalming and Haslemere) lurks as a potential spoiler. On time trial bikes, Cris Coxon (Brighton Mitre CC) holds a slender two-second edge over Chris McNamara (Sigma Sports Cannondale Race Team), but Pat Wright (Paceline RT) is in exceptional form and could steal the win. Among the women, Hilary Briggs (Serpentine Running and Triathlon Club) and Teresa Goddard (Kingston Wheelers) are set to lead the field on this scenic South Downs course, likely G10/43, rewarding strategic pacing amid coastal winds.

Elsewhere, the Verulam Cycling Club 25 near Cambourne in Cambridgeshire is primed for quick efforts on the rolling F2/25B course through the Fens. Junior ace Leon Atkins (258 Protégé) is favoured by Spindata to clock a sub-45-minute ride, while Laura Davies (FTP Racing Team) looks set to claim the women's title. In the veterans' age-adjusted event, Jen Clegg (Team Bottrill) stands out in the 70-74 category, adding inspiration to a diverse field chasing endurance gains.

In Gloucestershire, the Velo Club Bristol 10 on the flat and fast U7B course should produce blistering times, with Spindata predicting a Team Bottrill clean sweep of the top three open spots: Rob Francis, Jake Sargent, and Dylan Griffiths all eyeing 19-minute efforts. The women's category pits Claire Hann (Bristol South CC) against Michelle Lee (Royal Dean Forest Cycling Club - RDFCC) in a battle for supremacy, making this a highlight for West Country riders.

Up north, the Kildale Hill Climb in North Yorkshire offers a pure power test on the steep THC35 ascent, ideal for handicap chasers amid the rolling hills. Meanwhile, the Border City Wheelers 10 in Cumbria on the undulating L108 course along Lake District edges provides scenic variety for northern competitors honing their pacing.

Sunday's Events: Championships and Strong Women's Fields

Sunday features the Teesside District 25-Mile Championships near Crathorne, promoted by Cleveland Coureurs on the strategic T252/3 course with Yorkshire Dales-inspired loops. Team Bottrill's Thomas Lee is tipped for a dominant win in the open category, with Ben Pease (Moonglu CC) and Tyler Hannay (Manx Viking Wheelers) vying for podium positions. The women's race is equally compelling, as Kerry Gowland (Protech Velo) targets the title against Caroline Ratcliff (Ferryhill Wheelers) and Sue Cheetham (North Lancashire Road Club), promising a showcase of northern talent under potentially ideal conditions.

The Sussex CA Robin’s Sporting Weekend continues with its 25-mile event near Kirdford, West Sussex, building on Saturday's excitement. Teresa Goddard (Kingston Wheelers) returns for the women's category, facing stiff competition from Anita Turner (Eastbourne Rovers CC). The open field is ultra-competitive, with Spindata forecasting three riders at 57-minute times: Marek Siwicki (Addiscombe CC) leading the charge, alongside road bike contenders Howard Bayley (@a3crg), Cosmo Derangi (Brighton Mitre CC), and Robin Kirk (Velo Club Godalming and Haslemere). This fast circuit, possibly a D25/23T variant, tests both speed and endurance.

In Northumberland, the Vector Racing 10 boasts an impressive field of 17 women on the wind-exposed M104 course, with Alex Noonan (Team VC) as the Spindata favorite. Her teammate Adele McAleer, along with Ellen Powell (Durham Triathlon Club), Lindsay Turnbull (promoting club), and junior Freya Johnson (Gosforth RC), are all in contention, creating a supportive and fierce women's showcase.

The Newbury Velo Fast Fifteen near Stockcross in Berkshire on the balanced H15/3 course mixes flat stretches with gentle rises, where Liam Maybank (Twickenham Cycling Club - TCC) is predicted to be the fastest open rider, and Sarah Matthews (@a3crg) leads the women. Further west, the North Shropshire Wheelers 25 near Hodnet in Shropshire on a team-friendly D25/23T circuit offers Midlands riders a chance for regional glory.

This weekend's events span the length of the UK, from southern duels to northern championships, with Spindata underscoring the potential for photo-finishes and record attempts. Women's fields are particularly strong, from the 17-rider showdown in Northumberland to multi-contender battles in Sussex and Teesside. Veterans and juniors add depth, while calmer weather forecasts could unlock fast times across flat and rolling courses. As the season progresses toward finales like the Welsh 12-Hour Championship, these races are key for BBAR qualifiers and end-of-season form. Riders should monitor weather and startsheets closely for the best experience.

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