After the success of the Cannock Chase Summer Classic, event organisers Run & Ride are back with more races for 2013.
Continuing with the seasonal format for 2013, there will be a Winter Classic on February 24 plus a Summer Classic on July 7, with both events to be held at Cannock Chase in Staffordshire.
“We we’re really happy how our previous events have gone and the feedback was amazing,” said Matt Williams of Run and Ride. “Since our July event we’ve had so many people asking us when our next race is. Originally we had plans for an autumn event but we just couldn’t get the right date that suited both us and the Forestry Commission so instead we opted to wait and spend our time focussing on making the next races even better.”
Run & Ride tailor their events towards beginners and fun riders, rather than out-and-out racers.
“The Midlands XC Series caters for the hardcore racers chasing British Cycling points which gives us some freedom to approach things a little differently. We work with British Cycling and run the races under the GoRace banner, meaning we can mix things up a bit with the categories to try and make the racing close and, in some ways, more competitive,” added Williams.
“It seemed to work well in the last event when we had close racing between riders of all ages. One thing we’re doing for next year is splitting the beginners and fun class so the real beginners don’t have the worry about getting destroyed in their first event. We want to make sure they really enjoy it and want to race again.”
The organisers are promising plenty of technical but fast flowing singletrack, with some lung busting climbs mixed up with a few fire road sections.
“The race course area is right on our doorstep so we know the trails like the back of our hand,” said Williams. “We’ve tried to include the best the area has to offer while ensuring the course has a good flow to it. With the backing of the Forestry Commission we’re able to cut a few new trails specifically for the event.
“The events are primarily about the fun and newcomers, so while the course has sections to keep the hardened racer happy, it’s also suitable for all skill levels. Another bonus is that the area of Cannock Chase drains extremely well which makes it ideal for racing no matter what the weather decides to do.”
Event sponsors include Juice Lubes, Accelerade, Mt Zoom, Husky Organic, Chapeau! and Super B, who will all be supplying prizes for the podium finishers along with cash prizes for the elite/racing snake category. Food and ‘real’ coffee will be available on the day, as well as a pre/post ride massage for a small charge.
Online entry is available at www.cannockchasewinterclassic.
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