Round 3 of the 2008 Southern XC Series is taking place this weekend (18 May) at Crow Hill, just outside the New Forest, Hampshire. With an improved Crow Hill course the venue for the National XC championships in July, there’ll be many XC racers heading there for a bit of practice on the course.

Besides offering something for the serious racers, it’s a fantastic course for those choosing to ride a little more sedately, too. The course is about 4.5 miles long, and if this current weather holds dust will be the only problem. There’s lots of fast singletrack sections that meander through pine woods and scenic meadows.

Being on the edge of the New Forest National Park the race makes an excellent day out for those with families in tow. And as with any round of the Southern XC Series, there’s racing for all ages and abilities. You don’t need a British Cycling race license to take part, just a bike, helmet and some energy.

With the expected influx of top racers, the competition will certainly be tough. In the Elite Men Adrian Lansley will be doing his best to make it three wins in a row, and Jenny Copnall will be aiming for a win at her first visit to the series.

Visit www.southernxc.net for more information and to enter. Read the BM Southern XC 2008 preview.