About the course Muddy? Fast? What the hell – let’s talk tyre pressure!

PARCOURS

With (50m) of elevation per lap we would describe it as about averaging for a ‘cross course. Not hilly, not flat. The ascent / descent comes from a combination of:

  • a few run-ups with no chance of riding
  • one run/ride up depending on skills and weather / ground conditions.
  • cambered slight descents
  • one set of hurdles, 35cm, 5m spaced.
  • one flight of steps, stone.
  • two clean, good surface climbs
  • one flyover, scaffolding bridge
  • one fast, good surface, flowy and easy descent (recovery!)
  • numerous grass sections that are likely to get very heavy going in January.

The land is well-drained but like anywhere, when it gets wet, it gets sticky. That means that the fine stone on some of the hard-surfaces could get pulled into your bike if it’s muddy. 

 

The course can be described as

Tough

Did you think you were getting away with it that easily? There’s nasty banks, cambers and run-ups to go at in this great venue. Yes, we’re making the most of them.

Fair 

There won’t be any long grass nonsense with just one racing line. Full width course with the full width properly ride-able.

Accessible

The pit and wash area are open, clear, and well away from the commentary / fan zone. But it’s easy to access from the car parking area. And there’s water right there. 45 seconds ride to the gridding area.

Flowy

Come rain or shine, the surfaces mean we can put on a course that will flow whether muddy or dry, and powerful riders will have plenty of opportunities to put down the hammer.

STATS

  • Course is ~2550 metres.
  • Flat out’ in good conditions will be roughly a 6 minutes 30 second effort (dry), and nearer 8 mins 30 (wet) for the fastest riders. 
  • start to pits 1: – about 20% of lap time
  • pit 1 to pit 2: – 48% of lap time
  • pit 2 to pit 1:  – 52% of lap time

TREADS AND PRESSURE

  • Oh I’m not getting involved in that.  You decide.

TOE STUDS?

  • Yes, despite the stone steps you will need studs for other dismounted climbs.
National Cyclocross Championships course map
Click to view full size

STATS

  • Course is ~2550 metres.
  • Flat out’ in good conditions will be roughly a 6 minutes 30 second effort (dry), and nearer 8 mins 30 (wet) for the fastest riders. 
  • start to pits 1: – about 20% of lap time
  • pit 1 to pit 2: – 48% of lap time
  • pit 2 to pit 1:  – 52% of lap time

TREADS AND PRESSURE

  • Oh I’m not getting involved in that.  You decide.

TOE STUDS?

  • Yes, despite the stone steps you will need studs for other dismounted climbs.
National Cyclocross Championships course map
Click to view full size

Welcome to the NationalsPlan your trip, get the most out of the weekend

Team Gazebos

We are welcoming team gazebos for warm-ups, bases on the main event area.  You can book your place on eventbrite below

Book your place on Eventbrite

Parking and access

The show ground gates will be open at 7am and closed at 10pm (get directions here), parking and overnight stays should be paid for in advance.

Pay for Parking

Pits and bike wash

If you were at Broughton Hall last January, or Barnoldswick last December you’ll have seen the Hope Tech power wash.  Well it’s coming to us, too.  Bring your jet wash as a back up only, you will not need one, as we’re providing it.

Course Practice

Ride the course in advance

Aside from the Saturday and Sunday event timetable, we will open the course to BIKE practice and familiarity from 3pm to 4pm on Friday, and WALKING the course after that (until dark!) is welcome

Joining the course

To join the course, please follow the Orange Dashed line on the map below.  This is to the rear of the gridding area and you will need to wear and scan your transponder when you join the course just after the finish line.

Team helpers

moving from the start line to the pits

To get to the pits in time after a start, you would need to leave as soon as you have the riders’ jackets / etc. Ideally before the “30 second” shout from the commissaire.  Follow the pink line here, moving under the bridge and walking the total of 220 metres to the pits via / through the bike wash area.