Cyclocross in Yorkshire. © John Taylor
by John Taylor
Alongside the road cycling buzz created by the Tour de France Grand Depart 2014, cyclocross in Yorkshire is undergoing a huge surge in interest giving riders the thrill of racing with a friendly and fun feel. Many events have sprung up all over the county this year, from the National CX Championships in Bradford through to the recent Rapha Super Cross series coming from Skipton. Increasingly popular within the over 40’s Vets category, there is also a growing Junior presence which is great news for the future of the sport.
Richard Gate of local cycling club albaRosa is a regular participant in ’cross in the area and thinks that Yorkshire circuits are special due to their uniqueness and varying weather conditions that “have an enormous bearing on the race and makes tyre pressure a crucial decision.” He also believes that “the strongly supported league for the dedicated enthusiast helps and a whole army of supporters and pit crew at some of the bigger races are a great incentive to enter”.
With many more races around Yorkshire this winter it seems that road racing has some tough (and dirty) competition for the local’s affections and is definitely here to stay.
Check out the gallery below for what to expect if you ever head to a race across the pond!
Find John Taylor on Twitter as @john00taylor or at realyorkshirecrit.
