Cardiff hosts cyclo-cross Final

Welsh ‘Cross season set for Blackweir Park climax

Blackweir Park will welcome hundreds of cyclists next month, as Cardiff gets ready for the Welsh cyclo-cross League Final.

The final round of the 2011 ‘Cross Welsh season will see cyclists of all ages competing for vital league points as the event reaches it’s climax on Sunday December 18.

Less technically demanding than mountain biking, cyclo-cross is a sport for all ages

Last season’s runner-up, Joe Lally, currently leads the field in the Men’s Senior division with 518 points, while Claire Bowen is setting the pace for the women.

Although the event is extremely competitive and will decide the winners of each league division, event organizer Graham Barker explains how cyclo-cross is a sport for all comers.

“It’s ideal for beginners,” says Graham. “People take it very seriously but there is a huge range of ability.”

5 reasons to try cyclo-cross

Although the current Welsh Cyclo-Cross league season comes to a close in Cardiff this December, there’s still time to grab your old bike from the shed and have a go. Here are five reasons why cyclo-cross could be for you:

1. You don’t need a flash bike to enter. As long as your bike is in good working order and you have a helmet you can take part. 2.

2. Everyone is welcome. Whether you are competing for the league title or just keeping fit the atmosphere is very much inclusive.

3. It’s not too expensive. Entry fees for seniors are currently £10, whilst under 12s pay just £1.

4. It’s not technically demanding. The races are mostly held in public parks or sports fields making it technically less difficult than mountain biking.

5. You’ll be done by Christmas. The Welsh cyclo-cross season runs from September to December so you won’t be slowed down by any extra, post-Christmas pounds.

Images:

Small – Michael Rodriguez / Large – Dave Haygarth

bike, Blackweir Park, Cycling, Cyclo-cross, Welsh Cross