Cyclocross Season Just around the Corner
Saturday, the 6th of September, sees the start of the hugely popular Notts and Derby Cyclo-Cross league, at Sinfin Park, Derby. The league races are always well supported by Matlock CC riders, – In fields which can reach 100+, Matlock have sometimes fielded 20% of the competitors.
In recent years Matlock riders have won the under-10, youth, senior, and team competitions. They should be at the forefront of the league again this season, although the other strong local clubs such as Heanor Clarion, Zepnat RT, Ashfield RC and South Pennine RC will be vying to get their riders’ names on the various trophies.
Each day’s racing has the same timetable: 12pm for the U10’s (7 mins), 12.30 for the U12’s (15 mins), 1pm for the Youths (25 mins) and 2.15 for the combined Seniors/Vets/Juniors/Ladies race (50 mins).
The September races are normally fast and furious as the grassland courses used should still be fairly dry from the summer, so average speeds of close to 20mph will be seen for the leading riders in the senior event. This makes the early races akin to an off-road criterium.
As September ends the bigger events begin, with the first round of the National Trophy series on the 21st, and the famous Three Peaks event the following Sunday. These will also have a fair contingent of Matlock riders competing.
When the weather begins to turn and the going gets slower, those who have come from a full summer racing on the road tend to drop back as they get tired, and the ‘cross specialists come into their own, with their ability to guide skinny tyres through thick mud at high speed, and to dismount/remount for obstacles quickly.
Being on short, enclosed, off-road circuits makes cyclo-cross an ideal introduction into racing for anyone, but particularly for younger riders, as the lack of traffic makes the races relatively safe. And as the laps are short, even if you’re last you won’t be left out there for hours because everyone finishes soon after the winner crosses the line. Just as importantly, at local level any kind of bike can be ridden, whether it’s a custom made special, an old converted racer or a beaten-up mountain bike.
The social side is important too, as both before, during, and after the races there is a good atmosphere among the competitors, with friendly (and occasionally serious!) rivalries at stake.
Matlock CC promote their traditional race during the Christmas period at Thornbridge Education Centre on the 3rd of January 2009, which will be the final tune-up event for the top riders before this seasons’ National Championships. Matlock are also co-promoting the Midland regional championships at the same venue on the 7th of December 2008.
The League website with all the details can be found at http://www.ndcxl.org/