Cyclo-cross hits the big time in the UK as the nation’s top road and ‘cross teams do battle in the Rapha Super Cross Series in October.
Ten invited teams will slug it out for a minimum prize fund of £6,000 cash over three events: Lake Windermere (October 15), Huddersfield (October 16) and the grand finale at Alexandra Palace, London (October 23).
Series organiser Ian Cleverly asked the country’s top riders what they wanted from a ‘cross race and the overwhelming response was more challenging courses and added ‘razzmatazz’. Planks, steps, singletrack and nasty climbs will feature in abundance at the three venues handpicked for their stunning locations. Off-road legend and reigning Veteran’s National Champion Nick Craig has assisted with course design to keep the riders on their toes.
As for razzmatazz, Belgian beer, top quality catering, cowbells, proper crowds, DJ, commentator Anthony McCrossan and trade stands featuring some of the best ‘cross bikes available, will make for three fantastic days of mud-spattered action, culminating at the iconic venue of Alexandra Palace.
Ian Cleverly said: “I got the idea after racing at the excellent Muddy Hell night race last year at Herne Hill. The event had an electric atmosphere that was more like a Belgian ‘cross and I decided this was what we needed more of in this country. The Tour Series also gave me inspiration, which is why there is a team format to the series. I want to see the likes of Ian Bibby, Ian Wilkinson, Scott Thwaites and Simon Richardson take on the ‘cross regulars, like Jody Crawforth, Paul Oldham and Nick Craig; Motorpoint and Endura pit themselves against Hargroves Cycles and Wheelbase. The potential is fantastic.â€
With Rollapaluza’s Muddy Hell event taking place on the evening of Saturday, October 22, it promises to be a special weekend of cyclo-cross in the Capital.
Details of teams and riders will be released in the coming weeks.
