HEART OF ENGLAND

Cyclocross Races

Sunday 24th September

WMCCL Round 4

Promoted by Solihull Cycling Club

Sunday 1st October

WMCCL Round 5

Promoted by Dynamic Rides Cycling Club

DATES OF SHOWS 2023 – WEATHER PERMITTING

Solihull Cycling Club has been holding its annual cyclocross event at the Heart of England since 2014. This year we will hold a second event at this excellent outdoor venue. That event will be promoted by Dynamic Rides Cycling Club, which is based in Hockley Heath.

There are seven separate races throughout the day for age categories that range from Under-6 to Over-60. The racing is fast and furious, and exciting to watch. Many of today’s World cycling stars started out riding cyclocross, and some current GB professional riders have ridden at the Heart of England in the past.

Spectators are welcome. Parking is £3 per vehicle.

Cyclocross

Background

  1. Cyclocross is a form of bicycle racing that takes place in the autumn and winter.
  2. Races consist of many laps of a short (1.5–2 mile) course featuring pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles requiring the rider to quickly dismount, carry the bike while navigating the obstruction and remount.
  3. The sport is very popular in Belgium, France and the Netherlands, and is growing rapidly in the UK.
  4. The West Midlands Cyclocross League is open to riders from anywhere – they do not need to live in the West Midlands.
  5. The 2023 WMCCL season comprises 12 events, which can be entered here: https://www.riderhq.com/events?type=RACE_WMIDSCX

The West Midlands Cyclo-Cross League (WMCCL) offers competitive off-road bike racing for all ages and abilities. You don’t need any specialist equipment to start, as long as your bike is safe for yourself and others. Most events can be entered on the day, and you don’t need a British Cycling racing license to get started.

Cyclo-cross combines elements of road cycling and mountain biking. The races typically take place in the autumn and winter seasons, and consist of many laps of a short course featuring gravel tracks, wooded trails, grass, steep hills, and obstacles which sometimes require the rider to dismount and carry the bike. The courses are sometimes muddy and challenging, making it a fun sport to watch and participate in. 

If you’re interested in learning more about cyclo-cross, you can visit the British Cycling or WMCCL websites.