RIDERS from across the country are due to descend on Southampton this weekend for the inaugural city criterium.

This Saturday, the city centre will host the first Southampton Criterium ever, as riders including Olympic and Commonwealth champions join the thousands due to take on the lapped event.

Supported by Southampton City Council’s My Journey scheme and British Cycling as part of the Southampton Cycling Strategy, the event is expected to see more than £500,000 brought into the local economy, as well as raising money for charities.

The riders confirmed so far include five time world champion, Elinor Barker MBE who won gold in Rio Olympics and silver in Tokyo this summer.

Number four in the country Alec Briggs will also be competing after previously winning the Brompton World Championships and the London Nocturne.

He will be up against riders including Jon Mould who won Commonwealth Silver in 2018 and has the most individual wins on the Tour Series.

As well as this, the event is also hosting the British Cycling South Region Series and youth entries as well as a first timers criterium.

There will be a 60km and a 100km event around Hampshire but finishing in the city centre, along with the criterium on a closed road 1.7km route on Southampton streets.

Activities are planned to take place in Watts park which is to host the Spin City and hundreds of riders are taking on the 100km Sportive Challenge ride.

Roads are open as normal on the Saturday except around the Guildhall Square area and organisers ReesLeisure say they are delighted to see the city coming back to life.

Race director, Chris Rees, said: “This is going to be an exciting day of cycling in Southampton, with opportunities to take part in closed roads racing, or head out of the city for a 100km or 60km sportive ride.

“There really is something for all to take part in.”

Billed as the city’s “largest competitive cycling event” the Criterium will run from 8am until 6pm and comes ahead of a 10k, a half marathon and a marathon which are due to take place the following day.

Cllr Jeremy Moulton, deputy council leader said: “The Sporterium is a fantastic event and we are pleased that it is coming to Southampton for the first time, this weekend. Sporterium will provide a great boost to our local economy, as well as raising money for a number of charities.”