National Trophy Cyclo-Cross at Derby This Weekend

Posted: 6th January 2008

Event Information: Start Sheets

Event website - www.derby.nationaltrophy.org.uk

National Trophy Series -- Results and Standings

Markeaton Park in Derby has been chosen to host a national cyclo-cross race for the next 3 years starting with the final round of this year's series on Sunday, 18th of January 2009.

Derby has become an established location for the National Trophy races after the Mackworth College venue was used for the last two years. Markeaton Park is a relatively new venue for cyclo-cross but has hosted 3 events in the last 2 years.

It has been used for the local Notts & Derby Cyclo-Cross League events and last year for the successful Midlands Championships. This year's event will see over 250 competitors competing in various age categories culminating in the elite race. The National Trophy is an internationally rated event and has attracted entries from a selection of continental riders.

The Derby round comes a week after the National Championships and precedes the World Championships for which riders will use the race as a warm up and guide to form. The Derby event has its own website at www.derby.nationaltrophy.org.uk  

The organising team, comprising members of the local Derby Mercury, South Pennine and Heanor Clarion clubs has secured sponsorship with local and national organisations to enable the prestigious event to be a success. The East Midlands Development Agency, Cycle Derby, the University of Derby, along with High 5, RJ Engineering Total Hire, Derby Brewing Co. and Halfords Bikehut have kindly given their support.

The East Midlands has enjoyed great cyclo-cross success in recent years with a series of National Champions. Annie Last from Great Longstone and Derby's Sam Lowe are current national champions whilst Lucy Garner (u16 girls), Saskia Hook (u14 girls) and Geoff Giddings (Veterans) are local riders that are currently leading the National Trophy series categories.

Rob Sharman from British Cycling and Lauren Smith from Cycle Derby are organising some additional children's races alongside the main events. These will be held on a separate course adjacent to the main course and children can enter on the day or through their local Derby school. These races are designed to give youngsters a taste of off-road and cyclo-cross racing in a safe environment.

Spectators are welcome to come and get a taste of the action at the park which is now becoming a popular venue. Laps of the course are normally seven minutes long and with several good viewpoints on the course it makes for entertaining viewing. Spectators normally gather at the most technically demanding areas such as muddy climbs and descent as well as the hurdles and steps. Racing starts at 10.30am concluding at 3.15pm with the finish of the Elite category race. Spectator car parking is available at the main car park off A38/A52 (Ashbourne Rd) roundabout whilst free car parking is available at the University.

Full details can be found on the event website www.derby.nationaltrophy.org.uk

Other News

Young People's Events at Derby National Trophy

With support from EMDA, Cycle Derby and British Cycling, a full programme of events has been planned for younger cyclists at the Derby round of the Cyclo-Cross National Trophy.

The programme includes an Under 12's race, an inter-clubs relay race, a primary school race, and more. Full details, along with entry forms, can be found on the event website - www.derby.nationaltrophy.org.uk