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.