South West Cyclo-Cross

58days since
South West Cyclo-Cross season concluded

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The 2009 South West Cyclo-Cross League concluded this weekend at the Certini Cross, Central Park.  The event was held in near perfect conditions and the course, cleverly devised by organiser Gary Andrews, was enjoyed by all.  There were some close battles for those all important points.  Our 2009 Champions are:
  • Senior Champion - Vin Cox: Empella/Cyclo-cross.com
  • Veteran Champion - Steve Davies: Unattached
  • Veteran 50+ Champion - Robin Delve: Mid Devon CC
  • Ladies Champion - Fiona Verney: Exeter Wheelers
  • Junior Champion - Harry Smith: Shred Racing
  • Under 16 Female Campion - Laura Clode
  • Under 14 Male Champion - Joel Kelly
  • Under 12 Champion - Matthew Bryant - Exeter Mountain Bike Club
  • Under 10 Champion - Harry Birchill - Exeter Mountain Bike Club
  • Under 8 Champion - Freddy Birchill - Exeter Mountain Bike Club
Well done to all of our champions and all our competitors who have supported the league.  We hope you now enjoy a restful festive period.

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.