The UCI is planning a whole parade of exciting events for each 2001 XC World Cup weekend, with the aim of bringing more families and spectators to each venue. “The support events for the venues came out of the productive workshops we had in France recently,” said Spokesman Martin Whiteley.

Competition:

* Citizen Cross Country Races (including Masters).
* Citizen Dual Races (some sections excluded).
* Stock Class Downhill Races (separate course).
* Mass Participation Hill Climb event.
* Short Track races for UCI E2 points.
* Team Relay in local city/village/downtown.
* 100m Street Sprints for UCI E2 points, for DH/DL riders.
* Freestyle BMX and Jump contest in city/village/downtown.
* BMX races on the Dual course in between Dual Training etc.
* Trials Show.
* BMX Freestyle Show.
* In Line Skating Freestyle Show.
* Autograph sessions.
* Mechanics/staff races.
* Kids races.
* Mass participation ride, touring in local region.
* VIP Races.

Social:

* Opening Ceremonies.
* Live DJ, Music, Concert.
* Riders’ Party.
* Fun fair, invite local circus or fairground company to participate on site.
* Animation for kids. Rides, climbing walls, jump castles.
* Public party, beer tent etc.
* Arts and crafts festival, local region’s products.
* Go-Karting competitions.

All in all it’s looking pretty good if you fancy some racing on genuine Pro courses, or just scoring some home made jam and scones from the local WI, while the kids get scared to death by clowns. The funniest thing is if anyone’s been to ride the “Ultimate Mountain Bike Challenge” – a single loop charity event run by the farmers of Ramsgill in North Yorkshire – or a few other “local jamboree events” this kind of “groundbreaking initiative” won’t come as a suprise at all, they’ll just miss the Lofthouse and Stean brass band and the Fell Race at lunchtime.

For full details of the plans next year keep an eye on the mountainbike website but we’ll keep you up to date with the highlights.