The Dalby XC Challenge is a XC race that uses many parts of the same course as the UCI World Cup’s opening round run in Dalby Forest just last weekend. It takes place on 25 July and is organised by Richardson’s Cycle Club.

The course is 5.18-miles in length. First there’s the sprint across Adderstone field and then a dive straight into the trees and Dalby’s snaking singletrack, followed by a succesion of tight corners, rocky steps, big drop-offs, a bit of North Shore, some nadgery descents, killer climbs, and a rocky, overgrown cleft that looks like the kind of place pygmy dinosaurs lurk.

There are categories for juveniles (12-15), youths (16-18), sports (men 19-39), veterans (men 40+) and women (12+), with three introductory Go Race events around Adderstone field for the under-12s. This is not a British Cycling ranking event and you don’t need to be a racing licence to enter: you just need a bike, a helmet, and some bottle.

The pro teams and publicity encampment from April will have long gone. But the chance for glory on that same singletrack remains, whether you’re a keen club rider or a weekend warrior in baggies.

There’s plenty of parking and there will be a catering van on site, as well as a couple of portaloos and some paramedics. The racing starts at 10am and you can sign-on and check out the course from 7am. It costs just £15 to race (£3.50 for the under 12s) and this includes your entry into Dalby Forest (normally £7). Entries are limited to 500 riders.

More info at www.richardsonscc.co.uk