The best XC rider in the South will be crowned at Checkendon this Sunday as the Southern XC Championships come to town, with points for the Southern XC Series also up for grabs.

Racing will conclude when Elite riders set off at 1pm to try and become the fastest XC racer in the south.

Last year’s champion was Sam Gardner, but with three different winners in the first three rounds of the Southern XC points series the race is wide open.

In the other two of the “big three” races, Sport rider George Budd is hoping for better luck in 2005 after snapping his chain on lap one of last year’s championships. Simon Willats is the man on the move in the Super Masters race with two wins from three already this year.

The course is being groomed as we speak by local club RATz and will remain dry if the rain holds off, providing close, fast and fun riding on a classic five mile lap.

Racing is open to everyone with categories to suit and entry on the day. To find out all other details and to check that you’re in the right area to qualify for the championships, check out www.southernxc.com.

The Ratz urgently need help this weekend as there has been a marshal shortage. If you can help all day there’s pay and free lunch. Any racers that can marshal another race will get free entry (eg if a
Veteran can stay on and marshal the Elite/Expert, Sport and Super Master race in the afternoon they will get to race for free).

If you’re staying on to spectate anyway, why not do it in a prime spot, with a radio informing you what’s going on round the course!

If you can help please mail Mick at Ratz or come to the sign-on tent on the day.