2008-09 Cyclo-Cross National Trophy Round 4
Mallory Park, Leicestershire

Kirkby Mallory, Leicestershire, LE9 7QE

Sunday 16th November 2008

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ORGANISER'S EVENT PREVIEW

On Sunday 16th November Rugby Velo are once again promoting the Mallory Park International Cyclo-Cross, the first of three rounds of the National Trophy taking place in the East Midlands all of which are being supported by the East Midlands Development Agency (www.emda.org.uk)

Tracy Croft, East Midlands Coordinator for the 2012 Games, said, "The East Midlands Development Agency is delighted to be able to support the three rounds of the National Cyclo Cross Trophy being held in the East Midlands. These events build on our support for two road cycling events - the East Midlands CiCLE Classic and the Lincoln Grand Prix. The success of the British cycling team in Beijing inspired many people to get back on their bikes and these events enable people from across the region to see firsthand top class racing."

Five Overseas Stars To Ride: With this assistance from the East Midlands Development Agency the number of continental professionals engaged has risen to five with 2004 and 2006 Winner the Belgian David Willemsens (pictured, right) once again making the trip. David won round two of the Trophy, held in Devon. He is joined by one of Belgium's rising stars, Bart Verscheuren, who has already won five races this year, four in Belgium and one in Spain.

Making his second appearance is former Silver Medallist in the Under 23 World Championships, Mariusz Gil, now also the National Champion of Poland. Young French rider Nicolas Bazin, second to David Willemsens in Devon, a regular choice for the French National Team in this year's World Cup races, is the final overseas rider in the Elite race.

For the first time an overseas rider has been engaged for the Junior Race, with Dutch star Cornelius Rijpma coming over to test Britain's leading Juniors. With all of Britain's leading cyclo-cross riders entered, plus Olympic Mountain Biker Liam Killeen, the overseas riders will not have an easy ride.

Course News: The Mallory Park management has rescheduled the Motor Cross and Track Days that were to be held on the Sunday to allow the Cyclo-Cross course the full use of all the Motor Race Circuit and surrounding spectator bankings. Riders who raced last year will be pleased that the steep wooden ramp to climb over the Armco barrier will not be needed this year, as Mallory Park (www.mallorypark.co.uk) has made an exit from the 'Bus Stop' chicane onto the spectator areas. With a big variation in surfaces on the Mallory Park circuit, from the smooth tarmac of the Motor Racing circuit, to the grass and gravel paths on the steep spectator banks, where tight adverse camber turns and sharp uphill sections test both the riders' technical ability and fitness levels, whoever ends up winning will not have had an easy victory.

The 2007 race was a muddy classic

Prize Update: As well as racing for the substantial prize list, the winning riders will also be presented with handsome engraved trophies supplied by Shore Design (www.shore-design.com) and to replace the energy used High 5 (www.highfive.co.uk) have donated products from their range of energy drinks and bars. All riders signing on will also receive a High 5 sample.

With the support events catering for everyone from under 12's to over 60's, a full day of racing gets underway at 10:30 with the Youth race and finishes with the Elite race at 14:15. Admission for all is only £1.00 and over 90% of the course is visible from the start/finish area making Mallory Park one of the most popular spectating courses in the Country.

Directions to Mallory Park: Follow the brown tourism signs to Mallory Park from junction 21 of the M1, via M69, and leaving at junction 2. Follow the A47 to Kirkby Mallory (approx. 8 miles west of Leicester).

OTHER KEY EVENT INFO

Promoting Organisation: Rugby Velo

 

Chief Commissaire: Kelvin Hoy

Asst. Commissaires: John Holmes, Ben Eedy

Pit Commissaires: Mervyn Bradley, Chris Bradley

 

Chief Judge: Jim Court

Judging Team: Andrew Court, Pauline Taylor, Val Taylor, Chris Willett

 

Commentator: Hugh Porter MBE

 

Signing-On: Track buildings adjacent to finish line. Tel: 07852 167465

Training/Course Inspection: 15:00 – 16:00 Saturday; from 9:00 Sunday

 

Changing Rooms: Pit Lane/Paddock Buildings

 

Accommodation Enquiries: Contact Pete Mooney (see below)

 

Course Marking/Marshalling: Members and friends of Rugby Velo

Course Directors: Martin Eadon and Phil Roach

 

Event Organiser:

Pete Mooney, 123 Yates Avenue, Rugby, CV21 1DF

Tel: 01788 577581. E-mail: pjw.mooney@btinternet.com