The organisers of September 2’s inaugural Thetford Cyclo-Cross Enduro have revealed details of the circuit for this, the latest in the mini-trend of long-course ‘cross races. 

Instead of the previously planned distance target of 40-50 miles for senior classes, the race will now have a timed format. Riders will race for three hours over a 5.5-mile circuit.

It sounds like a fast course, with a mostly fireroad layout, interspersed with dips into the technical twisties for which Thetford is famous.

Despite there being plenty of width to the course for over-taking, there is a fast, well-defined line through it all, and recent repair work to some of the fire roads “has left short sections looking more like Belgian cobbles” according to organiser Mark Wyer.

Thetford’s not known for its hills, but there is a short, stiff climb to the finish that “will sort out any bunch hangers on by the end of the first lap,” Wyer says.

Wyer and his team have added a feed station to the loop as senior, veterans, junior and women riders will all do the full three hours.  There will be a double pit in line with normal cyclo-cross regulations.

Wyer stresses that it’s vital riders enter in advance because laps will be counted by a transponder system. “Cyclo-crossers are used to entering on the line, but we really need people to enter in advance so we can set up the transponder system,” he says.

The electronics will help organisers to cope with the inevitable bunching of riders and likely speed attained in this event.

Entries for the racing can be made via the British Cycling website at the Thetford Cyclo-Cross Enduro page.

The Thetford Cyclo-Cross Enduro is a fund-raiser for the Eastern Cyclo-Cross Association’s youth development programme and will incorporate a youth race at an hour-long  youth race over the long circuit and a normal under-12 event.

The event will also raise funds for Timber, a trail building and advocacy group that looks after the trails in Thetford Forest and works closely with the Forestry Commission.