August, one of our summer months, has not yet left us and my washing machine is already being subjected to overtime work on mud-caked clothing. The cyclo-cross season is underway.
There was midwinter-like mud to contend with in the opening ‘Go Cross’ race at Herne Hill Velodrome, south London on Wednesday (26th August) after hours of heavy rain fell on top of already softening ground. Last season Britain’s ‘cross riders endured the coldest winter for 30 years; is this season going to be one of the wettest?
The summer leagues held in Yorkshire and the Western region have come to an end, but Velo Club Londres (VCL) will host another ‘warm-up’ race at Herne Hill next Wednesday evening (1st September). These pre-season races are a little more relaxed than the League races that follow from September through to February and newcomers are encouraged to give it a go.
After the under-10 and -12s race, junior riders, a smattering of hybrids (one with a rack) and the odd singlespeed mixed it more seasoned racers at Herne Hill and, despite the horrible weather, nearly 70 people revelled in the mud and rain. For the record, hosts VCL provided both race winners as Freddy Wright won the Under 12s and Jules Birks won the main race.
The popularity of cyclo-cross continues on an upward trend in the UK with most regional leagues seeing an increase in numbers competing. The regional leagues provide races for all age groups, newcomers can compete on a mountain bike (except at National level) and a friendly and sociable atmosphere prevails.
Check British Cycling’s cyclo-cross fixture list for your nearest league and come and see what all the fuss is about.
