Black Park XC Update

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BY: chris denman

Published: 5th March, 2014

With just less then 3 Months to go to the Black Park XC races the promoting club the West Drayton Mountain Bike Club has been busy down at the race venue, after a winter which has seen a number of storms and floods the club have had to put in a number of hours clearing the trees that had been blown down and opening up new tracks to avoid the new Junior Go Ape course that has been constructed in the park. It looks like their hard work has paid off and with the co-operation of the rangers from the Park a revamped circuit will be ready for both the day of youth races on May 31st, which will cater for all ages from under 8's to under 16's in 2 year increments as well as a Novice event on the where a shorter less technical circuit will be used. As well as for June 1st when the club promote a full adult cross country programme as well as races for juvenile and Youths using the full distance which will feature a circuit of 3.5miles encompassing forest track, bomb holes and some tight twisting singletrack. As always the racing is anticipated to be fast and competitive with a number of championships being incorporated in the days races including the Emergency Services championship which is always a hotly contested affair and where local rider Cat Ross is a favourite to defend the overall Ladies title she won in Essex last year with Richard Schofield the hot favourite in the men's race. The combined Sports and Masters Men's race also gives riders a chance to take part and compete for the prestige of being the London Single Speed Champion as well as taking home the big trophy which goes with the title and the £100 cash prize on offer thanks to generous sponsorship from the www.bucksoffroadsportive.co.uk , to qualify riders have to reside within the Perimeter of the M25 and of course be on a singlespeed. The Ladies will also have there own trophy for the London singlespeed championship with prizes dependent on entries To finish the championships off British Cycling Central division will be using the event to decide their youth and juvenile champions as well as using the event as a pointer to form and a selection race for the inter area youth championships. The event will also benefit from sponsorship from long term club sponsors Beyond Mountain Bikes as well as new club sponsors Triathlon.co.uk with Go Ape also donating some prizes to the Saturday youth races.
It is hoped that the last winner at the Park, Isaac Pucci who won the October Night Race will return to take part in the Elite race which Jody Crawforth has a hat trick of wins in.
On line entry is available and further details can be found on the event website at www.blackparkraces.co.uk or from event organiser .
chris@westdraytonmbc.co.uk