Yes, August has just started and a lot of us are still waiting on some Summer sun, but for many, minds will have already turned to the Winter mud, with tubs being glued and training plans formulated. The wait for Cyclocross season has just got a bit shorter here in Northern Ireland with the announcement of the new Kinning Cross League.
Following on from the huge success of last year's early season cross race at Orangefield Park, Kinning Cycles will host four rounds across Belfast, starting back at Orangefield on 23 September. If that event is anything to by, we'll be in for a season opener treat with a Friday night floodlit course and velodrome start/finish. We had the pleasure of running a stand last year and the atmosphere around the races was amazing. Add to that music, BBQ and live commentary from The Belgian Projects's Dany Blondeel and you had a proper cross night out for all the family. Just need to work on the beer and frites for this year!
In fact, we liked it so much we're supporting the new series, including designing the leader's jersey above. With a twist on General Classification, based on time across all four rounds, riders must compete in all races to qualify for prizes. Three overall winner jerseys will be hard fought for in A & B Men's and Women's classifications.
The races are designed with cross riders in mind and this will be reflected in the course design, having as many features and obstacles as possible. The 4 venues will each have their own unique features from floodlighting, velodrome, beach sections, large steep banks and new barriers. The Victory Chimp stand will be there at each round with exclusive league artwork as well as some upcoming Cyclocross apparel.
On Sunday 28 August Kinning Cycles will also run a cyclocross training day in Orangefield. Riders will get to practice the upcoming course, work on skills and try tubular wheels. Riders are asked to register at kinningcycles.com/
Kinning Cross League 16/17
Friday 23 September - Orangefield Park
Sunday 23 October - Dundonald International Ice Bowl
Sunday 1 January - Hazelbank
Sunday 15 January - Knocknagoney (TBC)
Check facebook.com/kinningcrossleague for updated information and race entries.
