News – Haugh & Cross Festival of Cyclocross

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Upwards of 100 competitors signed up for season opener of Scottish Cyclocross at Aberdour (Fife)

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News – Haugh & Cross Festival of Cyclocross

Article:John McComisky
Images: Neon Velo (James McCallum & Hugo Robinson).

July 31st-1st Aug 2015

With upwards of 100 competitors already signed up and pledged to ride at the season opener of Scottish Cyclocross, event organisers Ronde and Meta have again attracted top names to Aberdour (Fife) for the event, now in its fourth year.

In previous years the event has attracted European and multiple British Champion Helen Wyman,a host of Scottish Champions and riders from far afield as Denmark to race at the scenic seaside venue.

HugoRobinson

This year will be no different with top billing going to seasoned Cyclocross professional Hugo Robinson, who has raced at World Championship level and is many times over British Cyclocross Champ. Robinson who now divides his time racing for the Neon Velo team in road and cross in 2015 is delighted to take on the cream of Scotland’s Cyclocross racers, will also run a Cyclocross Clinic the evening before the main two race event.

The event co-coordinator James McCallum, no stranger himself to professional racing success at home and abroad, as well as being a former Commonwealth Games medalist, has put his bike aside for this one to put on a brave new format for racing here in Scotland. “I have been looking at improving and tweaking any of the events that I am running or involved in, and the logical thing was to have a two races in a day for every rider. Most cross races you turn up, ride and go home, we wanted to give the riders and the public a better experience, a with this format riders get a bang for their buck and there will be plenty track-side activities going on all day, not just for riders, but for family and friends”

 

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Summer-cross is not a new concept, it has been kicked around the UK and US for years, but in Scotland it took a proper hold with the first few running’s of the Haugh+Cross event which had tagged onto the popular Aberdour Festival. The coastal course nestles tightly in parkland adjacent to to the Silver Sands beach and holiday area, and offers riders of all abilities the chance to dip a toe before the Scottish Cyclocross Series proper rolls into action in Autumn.

With the event only a two weeks away, entries are still open for the races, so if you fancy your chances visit : http://www.entrycentral.com/haughcrossfestival

With a full day of racing from 12pm till 8pm, and the added attractions of free demo rides on the latest Genesis Road bikes, trade stalls and all that is good in terms of locally sourced food and ales which will be available from the Festival Marquee.

Cyclocross is so much more than just racing, and the organisers made this clear with the following. “Join us for a day of highly charged cyclocross racing and much more. Experience the cheer of the crowd, and the ringing of cowbells. Spectators can enjoy racing of all abilities, from the best the UK has to offer to absolute beginners. Following the cyclocross a family ceilidh will take place in the Festival Marquee, just the thing to finish a great sporting event in the Kingdom of Fife”.

Competitors who are even thinking of making a weekend of it even have the option of arriving Friday after booking a place at the Cyclocross Clinic and spending a full evening under the wing of Scottish National Cyclocross Champion Rab Wardell (Dirt School) and the aforementioned Hugo Robinson .

Cyclocross is one of those disciplines where technique can really make a difference, even against riders, fitter and stronger than you are. Simple things like tyre pressure, and what gear to be using can all be ironed out by your cross coaches on the evening, and unlike most tutorials, the lads here will be welcoming answering any questions and offering all sorts of tips and tricks from the pro riders kit bag.
The event would not be possible without the following event sponsors and partners: Ronde Bicycle Outfitters, META, Shimano, LAZER, Genesis, Ridley and Mule Bar.
Festival Format

Register at Festival Marquee (10.30am-11.45am) –

12noon First race (qualifying) – 100 places available ( First 50 % to final number 1, second 50% to final 2 )

1.00pm Second race (qualifying) – 100 places available ( First 50 % to final number 1, second 50% to final 2 )

2.30pm and 3.30pm Children’s races – FREE

5.00pm Final 1

6.30pm Final 2

7.00 pm Podium presentation.

(Times are subject to change)

 

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