South West Cyclo-X is currently enjoying it's summer vacation from competition, work is continuing behind the scenes though as the team plan for another great season in 2009.  The league will be promoting Round 1 of the prestigious National Trophy Series in 2009.  The event will be staged at Bicton Arena, Devon on the 20th September, a definite date for the diary.  For those of you who spectated last year you witnessed some of the best cyclo-cross action in the country, this year why not enter yourself and race against the countries best on probably the best circuit in the UK.  Entries should be sent to Central Entries at least 21 days in advance of the event.

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.