News: Victoria Cyclocross

One of the UK’s most unusual cycle races returns on Saturday 29th June in the Ludgate Finance Queen Victoria Cyclocross at Blists Hill Victorian Town in the beautiful Ironbridge Gorge, a World Heritage Site.

News: Victoria Cyclocross

One of the UK’s most unusual cycle races returns on Saturday 29th June. The Ludgate Finance Queen Victoria Cyclocross is fought out around Blists Hill Victorian Town in the beautiful Ironbridge Gorge, a World Heritage Site.

Hundreds of riders from across the country will be taking part in the event, once dubbed “Britain’s Craziest bike race” by Cycling Weekly magazine. Each race takes in several laps of a gruelling circuit featuring pavements and cobbled streets, wooded trails, steep hills (including the ascent of the famous Hay Incline Plane) with riders having to carry their bike over several parts of the course.

To add to the spectacle, officials dress in Victorian costumes and spectators enjoy traditional Victorian entertainment including barrel organs, steam engines, a funfair and an authentic Victorian pub. You could be forgiven for thinking this is all just an excuse for some summer fun, but for the riders this is serious stuff. Promoter Di Jeggo said “We are delighted to have Ludgate Finance back on board for the 4th time.
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The event has become one of the ‘must ride’ races on the Cyclocross calendar with people travelling from all over the UK to take part. We’re looking forward to another evening of family fun combined with top class cycling action” Steve Grice Director of Ludgate Finance, himself a keen cyclist with Newport Shropshire Cycling Club said “Having taken part myself I can endorse how much fun this race is. It’s also a great family evening with a fabulous atmosphere with lots to do and see as well as the main event of the racing”

The venue, a World Heritage Site located in Shropshire’s beautiful Ironbridge Gorge has much to enjoy for spectators and riders alike and with the town’s Victorian pub, traditional chip shop and café all open on the night to provide refreshments and a great family atmosphere is ensured. Doors open at 5.15pm with the first race starting at 6.00pm.

The organisers are encouraging anyone to come and have a go, from novice riders to experienced cyclocross riders. Entrants can use either mountain bikes or cyclocross bikes, but prepare for a challenge! This is a tough off-road cycle race, for adult and junior competitors alike.

Website: www.queenviccx.co.uk/

Competitor Entry: http://cyclotours.co.uk/qvcx/enter-the-race/
Spectator Entrance fee: £4 (Children under 16 free – must be accompanied by an adult). Dogs must be on a lead. For further information visit www.queenviccx.co.uk