The UK’s premier XC race series returns for 2009 with many changes to make the racing more challenging and exciting for all competitors.
Such as full UCI ranking points which should attract some heavyweight international riders, as should an impressive £10,000 prize pot for the top riders.
And it’s not all XC action either, enduro riders will be catered for at Margam Park, Crow Hill and Newnham Park with three distance enduro rides taking place on the Sunday following the main XC race action on Saturday.
Round 1 – Sherwood Pines – 5 April
Sherwood Pines returns to the series after a year off. Home to a UCI class 1 race in 2007 and regarded as being fast and relatively flat. The course is being designed by James Hampshire (Midlands Series organiser and XCracer.com 29er) and will be around 7km in length and utilising the massive amount of trails on offer. This venue provides a great season opener. Please remember this is a Sunday race.
Round 2 – Dalby Forest – 10 May
Dalby forest provides a much needed return to the North East for the British Series. This event has huge significance as it will serve as a test event for World Cup bid for Dalby. As a class 2 UCI and World Cup test event we expect a good turnout of quality overseas riders. The event will be based from Adderstone field with a brand new purpose built track currently being put together by the Forestry team.
Round 3 – Margam Park – 30 May
The BIG Welsh Weekend returns for a 5th year. We have managed to secure the last weekend in May, so it should be half term for most and the chance to bring the kids and make a mini holiday of it. A weekend of riding, racing and good times just a minute from the M4 and 15 minutes from Afan and Glyncorwg, this will be the must do round of the series. British XC round 3, Short Track, kids races, leisure rides and the 2009 Trek British Marathon Championships all from one venue and one weekend.
Round 4 – Crow Hill – 27 June
Round 4 returns to the succesful 2008 National Champs venue. Situated in the New Forest. Crow Hill offers a challenging and relentless course described by the local Southern XC crew as ‘a classic singletrack course’. Crow hill offers some fantastically fun and challenging singletrack in deciduous and coniferous woodland. 2008 will see a new course layout resulting in a clover leaf design to maximise spectating opportunities.’
Round 5 – Newnham Park – 26 Sep
Newnham Park provides a fitting end to the series. Regarded by many as still the best race venue in the UK it has been home to World Cups and National Championships and holds some great memories. A beautiful wooded valley provides the setting for some superb race action that will take place. This weekend will also feature a large non competitive enduro over a huge loop on the Sunday and Cyclo Cross and Road Racing – a great season finale.
There will be free camping for all and kids can race free. Don’t worry if you’re not a British Cycling race licence holder as there will be categories for all levels of riders.
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