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Midlands XC Round 2 2012 - Preview
Share on Facebook Share on TwitterPublished: 13th March, 2012
2012 Midlands XC Mtb Series - Round 2, Sunday 18th March - The Cannock Chase Classic, sponsored by RapidRacerProducts and Mt. Zoom.
When the 'special events area' was chosen for the expansion of the waymarked mtb trails at Cannock Chase, it looked like the 2009 Midlands XC race would be the last one there. Thankfully with the help of the Forestry Commission and British Cycling a new area of Cannock Chase was secured for events and the series returned with a bang last year with a record number of riders attending including a certain Mr. Liam Killeen...
For 2012 we return to 'Tackeroo' with Run and Ride Events hosting this years sold out race. Like many of us they have fond memories of races on the 'Chase back in the day: "I first started racing back in 1991 / 92 when MTB racing started to become popular for the first time. Back then things were slightly different to what they are now. Mountain bikes had just come on the scene and the technology you see now was just a dream. Fully rigid bike, simple brakes, 21 gears (if you were lucky) and they weighed a ton. The first race I ever did was called… you guessed it "the Cannock Chase Classic" and from my first race I've been hooked ever since.
Year after year there would be a Cannock Chase Classic and nothing would be more important. I still remember receiving my number in the post along with a map of the route which I'd study for days trying to figure exactly which trail it used and how i'd approach it. It was all part of the build up to the big day. The races were massive - You'd get 150 - 200 just in the Novice (todays 'Sport' class) and the atmosphere was fantastic. You'd get spectators come out just to watch and support and this is in the days when a course would be 6 or 7 miles in length. If you spectated you'd see the riders once, but they'd be there waiting..."
Image courtesy Roy Bevis
While respecting this SSSI and steering clear of the archaeologically significant monuments from it\'s time as an army camp in the two world wars, Run and Ride have crafted a suitably classic course for this Sundays race: "We've tried to include as much variety as possible in this years Cannock Chase course using a mix of forest and moorland trails, with the terrain varying from hardpack and gravel, to loam and dirt. And it wouldn\'t be Cannock without a healthy dose of off-camber roots!
From the start you'll climb up into the arena giving plenty a time to stretch the field before looping around and entering the first single track. You will then complete 1km of contouring single track before re-entering the arena and passing the pit area. From here you head out onto a fast section of trail sweeping through the trees with two lines running parallel to each other for some Scalextric overtaking action!
Through this singletrack and the course widens but remains within the trees traversing a hill side before dropping down into another single track heading towards the bottom of the valley. From here you'll take a sharp left hand up a steep bank that really saps the legs! This is start of a section we're calling the devils back. A mix of open wooded trails and single track, at times it goes down but I'm sorry to say it's mainly up! This is the section you'll find out exactly how fit you really are...
Once you've finished climbing out of the valley you'll enter another singletrack swooping through the tree's, a small fast section of fire-road before the final climb to the finish. Oh yeah, finally, if you think the 29er's had the advantage at Hicks Lodge then for this round it's game on for the 26" crew!"
The Elite men's race promises to be a fierce battle with CNP-Orbea, Hope Factory Racing and Torq Performance all fielding strong teams, while the Veteran men's race is no less daunting - it's the biggest category on Sunday with nearly 100 riders vying for the top spot. A fantastic number of ladies will be lining up for a Mothers Day with a difference, with the size of both the Sport and Veteran categories putting the National series to shame!
Alongside series sponsors RapidRacerProducts and Mt. Zoom we welcome on board Accelerade, NRG4, Schwalbe, The Bike School and Husky Canvas as sponsors of Round 2. Trophies and prizes will be awarded to the top 3 in every category, with spot prizes for Go-Race - so make sure sure you attend the podium presentations!
To ease tired legs, Vivify Massage Therapy will be providing sports massage with all proceeds donated to the Hibbs Lupus Trust. To treat your bike to the same care and attention, the Hope Sh#t Shifter guys will also be in attendance!
Race day notes:
- This race is now fully subscribed. There is no entry on the day available and no reserve list.
- It's going to be a busy day, so allow time to sign on and pre-ride the course.
- Car share if possible. Also, the nearest railway station is less than 3 miles away.
- Camping is available on Saturday night with hard standing pitches and water available.
- If you took part at round 1 don't forget to bring your number board with you! You will be charged for a replacement.
- Gridding is based on results from Round 1.
- Under 13's races are enter on the day only and get underway at 13.00
- Address: Takeroo Campsite, Penkridge Bank Road, Rugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 2UA
Race day schedule:
09.00 - Registration/Course Open
10.30 - Race 1 - Junior Men, Youth Men, Veteran Men, Grand Vet Men, All Female Categories, Juvenile
12.45 - Presentation Race 1
13.00 - Go Ride (Under 13′s activities)
14.00 - Race 2 - Elite Men, Expert Men, Masters Men, Sport Men, Go race Men
16.15 - Presentation Race 2
2011 video by Team Boon productions:
See you on Sunday!
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