Cyclo-cross Central League round 1 info

Archer RC race starts up Central Region cyclo cross league
Two for the price of one is offered by the Archer RC Cyclo Cross at Hillingdon Circuit on Sunday, 21 September, as it is a qualifying event for both the London League and the first in the new Central League.

The fast and mainly grassland course which proved so successful last year is designed to encourage road riders still in racing trim at the end of their season to have a go at cyclo cross. This is a perfectly normal winter activity for many riders on the Continent and can be at very serious or at keep fit level. Either way adds to bike handling skills.

A special cyclo cross bike is not absolutely essential on this fast course which takes in footpaths and some bits of the road circuit, so a normal road bike can suffice although heavier tyres are advised. Or else get out that mountain bike, with special prizes for those on MTBs.

There are events for all categories, with a special course for the u12 and u10 youngsters. Senior/junior event starts at 1pm, youth at 11am. Entries on the day are welcome and full details can be found via the MDCC event calendar.

There is no worry about being shown up as the national stars that day are likely to be at a National Trophy meeting in Wales, so this is your chance to shine!
And if you do, the normal prize list is augmented with subscriptions for Cycling Plus and ProCycling magazines from Future Publishing. This is to draw attention to their day at Hillingdon on Sunday, 2 November, when riders will be invited to come and try various ranges of road bikes. Full details will be published shortly.

Other events in the new Central Region Cyclo Cross League are:

• 9 November, Hemel Hempstead CC, Longdean School
• 23 November, Reading CC Bill Higson Memorial, Prospect Park, Tilehurst
• 17 January, RATS (Reading All Terrain), Ashenbury Park, Woodcote
• 25 January, Willesden CC, Hillingdon
• 8 February, Icknield RC, Icknield High School, Luton

Graham Macnamee, BC coach and instigator of the new league plans to hold training the day before each of the cyclo cross meetings to introduce newcomers to the discipline. This is particularly to encourage Go Ride Clubs which will have their own competition within the league, with points awarded for every finisher.