May 2010: Midlands XC Championships

Finally! With the cyclo-cross season at a close and spring on the way, the organisers of the Midlands XC series are excited to announce details of the 2010 series.

This will be the 4th year of the revitalized series and it promises to be the best yet, with 4 races at 4 top notch venues, starting in April and finishing in September.

Renowned for it's fun, friendly atmosphere and quality courses, feedback from racers will see the following improvements for 2010:

The series heads South of Birmingham for the first time to a classic old skool venue.

Sports massage will be available at every round courtesy of Performance Training.

Neutral technical support at every round thanks to Elite Tech PCS.

New category: Singlespeed!

Prices held at 2009 levels and a discount is available if you enter the whole series in advance.

The most popular race of the day, under 10's and 12's races will be at all 4 rounds.

More healthy food and drink options available.

And lots, lots more!

The Rounds
Round 1 - 18th April
Venue: Hanchurch Woods, near Stoke-on-Trent

Kicking off the series in fine style and many people's favourite course, Hanchurch returns in 2010 with Club Goldtec priming the technical singletrack for a great days racing at a venue that is off-limits the rest of the year.

Nearest Postcode for Sat Nav: ST4 8SN Nearest Train Station: Barlaston Orchard Place, 4.5 miles.

Round 2 - 23rd May (incorporating Midlands Champs)
Venue : Mansell Lacy, near Hereford

A blast from the past! The series ventures South of Birmingham for the first time and heads to Mansell Lacy for the return of the 'May Bug' as it hosts the 2010 Midlands Champs. Expect big climbs and big descents.

Nearest Postcode for Sat Nav: HR4 7HQ Nearest Train Station: Hereford, 6 miles.

Round 3 - 1st August
Venue: Birch Hall, near Dronfield

Part of the oneFgear weekender and located on the edge of the Peak District, Birch Hall is an exciting new venue with some ace singletrack and a licensed bar! Singlespeed antics on the Saturday and round 3 of the Midlands series on the Sunday.

Nearest Postcode for Sat Nav: S18 4DB Nearest Train Station: Dronfield, 2 miles.

Round 4 - 5th September
Venue: Sherwood Pines, near Clipstone

The series finale heads back to the classic Midlands race venue, Sherwood Pines. Top local racer Steve Wood will be aiming to outdo himself with an even better course than his super fun 2009 creation.

Nearest Postcode for Sat Nav: NG21 9JL Nearest Train Station: Mansfield, 6 miles.

Please note: rounds 1, 2 and 3 are held on private land. Please don't jepardise the series by riding there at any time other than race day. Thankyou!

Schedule
09:00 Registration opens and course open for practice
10:30 Registration closes for Race 1.
11:00 Race 1: Junior, Youth, Juvenile, Vets, Grand Vets, Super Vets, Fun and ALL Female Categories
11:00-13:00 Course closed for practice
13:30 Race 2: Under 10's and Under 12's (Entry on the day only)
13:45 Prize presentations for Race 1 and Race 2
14:00 Registration closes for Race 3
14:30 Race 3: Singlespeed, Open, Sport, Expert, Elite and Masters Men
17:00 Prize Presentations for Race 3


Series Details
Race categories to are based on ability (Fun – Elite) and also based on age (12 upwards). Racing for under 10’s and 12’s will available at all rounds – just enter on the day.

Medals will be awarded to the top finishers in each category (except Fun, where there will be spot prizes). There will also be series trophies for the top 3 in each category, excluding Fun and Open, with the best 3 results to count.

All 4 rounds will be British Cycling affiliated, meaning they will carry BC ranking points. A race license is not compulsory, with the exception of the Expert and Elite categories; however those carrying a race licence will be able to pick up British Cycling ‘Regional A’ ranking points for Rounds 1, 3 and 4, and ‘National A’ ranking points for Round 2.

Round 2 will incorporate the Midlands Champs. This round is still open to riders from any part of the UK and all riders will be entitled to British Cycling ‘National A’ ranking points, but only riders residing at an address with a Midlands postcode will be additionally eligible to contest for the title of Midlands Champ 2010.

Entry
You can enter online at XCracer.com

Further Information
You can contact them at: midlands_xc@hotmail.co.uk

Volunteers Wanted! We can’t do it without you. Volunteers are welcome to be a part of the Midlands XC Series. Get in touch with them at midlands_xc@hotmail.co.uk

May 2010: Beastway is back!

Brixton Cycles Beastway MTB 2010

11 races at Hog Hill

The beast is back to full strength. After a few years of uncertainty over venues and shortened series, Beastway organisers "the Structureless Tyrrany" are pleased to announce that this year the grassroots mountain bike race series will return to its traditional 10 race format plus a Team Race on July 28th.

The racing will once more be sponsored by Brixton Cycles.

Racing is at 7:30pm (youth at 8pm) each Wednesday evening from May 19 to July 28 at the Redbridge Cycling Centre, with weekly and series prizes for each category.

Entry is on the day, with no prior racing experience or licence necessary. Come and have a go at taming the beast.

Dates:
May 19
May 26
June 2
June 9
June 16
June 23
June 30
July 7
July 14
July 21
July 28 Team Race


Categories:
Juvenile (Youth B) - born 1996-98
Youth (Youth A) - born 1994-95
Junior - born 1992-3
Sport - born 1981-1991
Master - born 1971-1980
Veteran - born 1961 - 1970
Grand Vet - born 1960 or earlier
Expert - born 1991 or earlier and fast
Novice - born 1991 or earlier and slow
Singlespeed - born 1993 or earlier and on a singlespeed
Women - born 1993 or earlier and female.


Fees:
£6 Youth, £8 concessions (Jun/OAP/UB40/Student), £12 Seniors. (All subject to confirmation)

Contact:
john@londoncyclesport.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Location:
The purpose built Redbridge Cycle Centre (Hog Hill), Forest Road, Hainault, Ilford, IG6 3HP - www.hoghill.co.uk