LCCA Cyclo Cross Dates 2013-2014

[Mark Leedham]

Dates for London Cyclo Cross events this year are as below.

The ACC Cyclo Cross Chamionships for 2013/14 will be held on:

Round 5 Sunday 06/10/2013 Herne Hill Stadium, 104 Burbage Road, London, SE24 9HE

Day/Date Venue
Sunday 8/09/2013 Stanmer Park, Brighton BN1 9PZ
Sunday 15/09/2013 Fowlmead Country Park, A258 Deal, Kent CT14 0BF
Sunday 22/09/2013 Gunpowder Park Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 3GP
Saturday 28/09/2013 Redbridge Cycle Centre, Forest Rd IG6 3HP
Sunday 06/10/2013 Herne Hill Stadium, 104 Burbage Road, London, SE24 9HE (ACC Championships)
Sunday 13/10/2013 Happy Valley Rec, Brighton, BN2 6LA
Saturday 19/10/2013 Plumpton College, Ditchling Road, Nr Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 3AE
Sunday 17/11/2013 CycloPark, The Tollgate,Wrotham Road, Gravesend, Kent, DA11 7NP
Sunday 24/11/2013 Herne Hill Velodrome, 104 Burbage Road, London, SE24 9HE
Sunday 01/12/2013 PORC, Grove Road, Penshurst, Kent, TN11 8DU (ACC Promotion)
Sunday 15/12/2013 TBA
Sunday 29/12/2013 Footscray Outdoor Activity Centre - Footscray, Sidcup, Kent, SE9
Sunday 05/01/2014 Bethlem Royal Hospital, Monks Orchard Rd, Beckenham, Kent BR3 3BX
Sunday 19/01/2014 Wilmington School, Common Lane, Dartford, Kent DA2 7DA
Sunday 26/01/2014 Herne Hill Stadium, 104 Burbage Road, London, SE24 9HE
Sunday 09/02/2014 Great Walstead School, E Mascalls Ln, Lindfield, West Sussex RH16 2QL

TIMING
Under 10 10:30
Under 12 10:45
Youth 11:15
Junior/Women/Vet 12:30
Seniors 13:45

The Seniors and J/W/V are separate events this year as rider numbers are too large at some venues.

If a vet, woman or junior races the senior race they become a senior. They are eligible for senior prizes and points (not transferable between categories).

[Ed Thruston]

Hi Mark,

I'm up for a bit of cyclo-cross racing this Winter.
Can you give me an idea of the way it all runs with regards signing up for races and actual on-the-day bits and pieces to think about ?
If possible, drop me an email at brightsky77@hotmail.com.

Thanks mate.
Ed

[Sylv]

Sign on - done on the line, well try make it at least an hour before the start. Bring your BC licence or there will be an insurance charge (£2 per race I think)

Bits and pieces -
- try bring your own hairpins - at least 8 needed for two numbers on your back - the ones provided (if so) are often rusty and bent and will ruin your jersey
- arrange to eat at least an hour, and better 1h30 to 2h before the race (or you will not have digested, and/or might puke), not easy to do with races usually held around 1.30pm. I used to have a light early breakfast and mid-morning snack. No need to eat during the race, or drink unless it's really hot but this happens once in a blue moon.
- bring lots of clothing (full finger gloves, arm/knee warmers etc), plan for all kinds of weather. It might be bright in the morning, then lash with rain just before the start. Or the other way round. But unless temps are real low you shouldn't get cold in an hour at flat out pace. If it's cold/wet try bring an old jersey or waterproof that you can take off seconds before the start and just chuck near the start or have someone look after for. Don't forget to have warm clothes at the ready for straight after the race.
- try and do at least 15min warmup before the start, as this is the fastest moment of the race and will get your heart in the red in seconds. Turbo is good as you don't need to ride too far from the start, or get your bike dirty. Best to have a spare wheel with a road tire on for that. But if it's dry, always good to do at least one reccy lap of the course as part of the warm up
- don't be late on the start line, they will grid the top ranked riders but after that it's every man for himself to get behind these.
- go flat out at the start, it's a fight for places before the first section where it will narrow down, and bottleneck. The pace will ease off a touch after that, but basically you should be red-lining for the whole hour. Try and brake as little as possible, and constantly think about the best and fastest line. All this is a lot more difficult (but faster) to do on a cross bike than a mtb. Be prepared to have to hop off and on your bike, in deep mud, over hurdles etc. If you have spikes for your shoes they could come in handy.


See also
http://ukcyclesport.com/all-news/cyclo- ... 9185-cross

Oops just noticed this is a month old post ... well nevermind