Cyclocross Category A racing comes to Round 3 of the London League at Hog Hill on Sunday 3 October with extra points, awards and cash prizes on offer. Sponsorship has been secured from London dealership Mosquito Bikes. who will be bringing along several demo bikes from Blue Competition Cycles for riders to try. Mosquito will also be showing bikes from Moots, Fixie Inc and Kinesis.
“We learned a lot doing the London League here at Hog Hill last year” says event organiser Michael Humphreys. “We secured an early season slot to get firmer ground and the course is quite a bit shorter with only two main climbs and descents. Riders will find it’s a lot faster and much less sloggy. The ground is so firm I’ve been struggling to get the stakes into the ground and all the off-road has been carefully mowed or swept.”
The 3.4km lap mixes 1.5km of tarmac with flat grass and some technical ups and downs. Riders will find fast sections with straights and flowing turns, but they will also be challenged to keep the speed while descending in and out of large berms, crossing adverse cambers or the banks of The Hump. As ever, Hog Hill’s elevation presents its own challenge. A double pits with water supply serves the top of both climbs, right by the pavilion where riders will find lockers, changing and showers of the highest standard.
The uphill start can safely accommodate the large numbers likely to be attracted to a Cat A race just one week before the first National Trophy. Significant cash prizes are assured for the top 10, with good prizes for vets, women and juniors too. A full programme of Youth, u12 and u10 races will run with the best attention of the organising club Lee Valley Youth CC. Lap scoring will be done by Bill Wright using the Beastway software to give individual lap times and placings for all.
Phil Burnett of Mosquito Bikes says: “We are really pleased to support all the London CycloCross Association but this event in particular lets us show our bikes and speak with riders about their needs. Any riders who want to book a demo ride on the Blue Norcross can contact [email protected] . Category A status on this event brings in more costs and we are pleased to provide a bit of extra prize cash and the awards. “
PROGRAMME
Race Start Time: Fee:
Under 10 11:30 £1.00
Under 12 12:00 £1.00
Youth 13:40 £ 5.00
Junior 14:30 £ 7.00
Sen.,Vet.,Women 14:30 £ 12.00
Special plea from the organiser: Please bring the right money for your EoL race entry! Sorry, no cheques on the day.
Hog Hill is between Barkingside and Chigwell, seven miles inside the M25 near the S end of the M11 where it meets the N Circular. It is 2 miles N up Whalebone Lane from the Moby Dick pub on the A12 and can also be approached along the A127 and A13.
Nearest tube is at Fairlop and rail at Goodmayes.
Venue address: Redbridge Cycle Circuit Forest Road, Hainault IG6 3HR
