During the autumn of 2008 South West Cyclo-X will be promoting a challenging eight round cyclo-cross series. Compete on eight unique, safe off-road circuits in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. The league caters for all age categories from Under 12’s up to Masters and all abilities from Novice to Expert. Come along and enjoy the excitement and challenge of cyclo-cross.
What is Cyclo-Cross?
Cyclo-cross racing is a traditional cross country winter sport for cyclists. Competitors cycle at high speeds whilst negotiating corners, banks and bunny hopping obstacles. Negotiating mud, steep banks and low hurdles often forces the riders to shoulder their bikes, and in many cases this technique can be the difference between winning and losing races.
With ice, tree-roots and even man-made obstacles in their way, the top riders are extremely agile and with the inclusion of tarmac sections speeds in excess of 50kph can be reached. The racing is fast and furious and a lot of fun. With the courses ranging in length from 2.5km to 3.5km, riders lap the course many times making for good spectating and an exciting atmosphere. The elite riders within the sport are about the best all-rounders in the world of sport. The sport is amazingly popular in parts of Europe: 70,000 people went to the 2003 World Championships in Belgium. It is also growing rapidly in the USA and Japan. Races have a relaxed, informal atmosphere and entries are accepted on the day.
