Course stats:

Tough climbs, fast descents and flowing singletrack weaving through the trees, sprinkled with rocks, roots and berms – leave the semi slicks at home!
These are multi lap events on closed off-road courses of approximately 7km, based in the ‘Special Events Area’ of Cannock Chase. The area has a great all-weather surface and with input from Chase Trails (the team behind the purpose built ‘Follow the Dog’ trail) the organisers promise to make the most of the elevation (topping out at a heady 232m above sea level!) with two different courses that have something for everyone, with ace singletrack descents and just enough fireroad to take a breather, or wind it up in the big ring.

The courses will provide an enjoyable and testing experience for all abilities from novices to die-hard racers. There are 10 categories to choose, ranging from Juveniles to Grand Vets and Fun to Elite there is a category for everyone.

For the points-chasers out there….

Both rounds will carry British Cycling national ranking points. Round 1 will be Category E and Round 2 will carry more points at Category D.
Eligibility for the Midlands Champs will be based on home postal codes. The race will however be open to riders from all over the country and riders outside the Midlands will still be able to pick up the extra points. Full details on eligibility for the Midlands Championships will follow.

The organisers:

Race fanatics Nadine Spearing (SheCycles.com member) and James Hampshire have stepped in to provide some Midlands-based races that are accessible to riders of all abilities from all over the country. Although a relative newcomer to the sport, Nadine has participated in numerous mountain bike events and has developed a strong passion for racing. James Hampshire has been participating in mountain bike events for over 10 years and has a real insight into what makes for an excellent event.

Nadine said “I really enjoyed competing in last year’s Midlands series, and in my first year of racing the events provided some challenges and opportunities for me to progress in my mountain biking. It is very exciting to get more involved in the race scene and to host our own events; and even more exciting to be able to provide a Midlands Championship”. James continues “instead of complaining about a lack of ranking events in our area, we’ve made the decision to put our necks on the line and organise our own at one of my favourite places to ride in the UK – if you build it, they will come!”

One for the mantelpiece:

Medals will be awarded at both rounds to the top three in each category (with spot prizes in fun). In addition, awards will also be presented to eligible riders for the Midlands Championship at Round 2.

Race day schedule.

Location, location, location.

Cannock Chase is situated to the North of Birmingham, with easy access from the M6, A5 and M54. The event arena will be located off the Rugeley Road entrance to the ‘Special Events Area’. Signposted off the A51 at Bereton; and signposted from the A460 Rugeley to Hednesford road. Entrance is half way between Beaudesert Golf Club and the C&CC Campsite. Parking is situated at the event site and at the adjacent car park (Beaudesert Old Park) and will be marshaled on race day.
Grid Ref: SK 033140
Please note, there is no water on the site, so please make sure you bring plenty with you. There will be hot and cold beverages and food available to purchase.

Sign up now!

Entry forms can be downloaded from www.xcracer.com. Pre-entry closes on the Wednesday before the race. Entry may be available on the day but will incur a £2 surcharge and cannot be guaranteed until closer to the event.

See you there!