Preview: Southern XC Round 3

Event Date: 18 May 2008

Round 3 of the 2008 Southern XC Series is taking place this weekend (18th May) at Crow Hill, just outside the New Forest, in Hampshire. XC racers are flocking from all over the country to ride the improved Crow Hill course, which is the venue of this year's National XC champs in July.

The Crow Hill course offers 4.5miles of reliably dry, fast singletrack through pinewoods and meadows. Being on the edge of the New Forest national park the race makes an excellent day out for those with families in tow.

As with any round of the Southern XC Series, there's racing for all ages and abilities. You don't need a British Cycling licence to take part, just a bike and helmet.

It looks like the competition's going to be tough, particularly in the elite categories where Adrian Lansley will be looking for his third win of the series and Jenny Copnall will be aiming for a win at her first visit to the series. For those riders on trade teams there's free arena space up for grabs, so bring your easy up.

Commentator extraordinaire will be on hand to keep the crowds entertained and riders motivated, whilst Joolze Dymond will be in charge of race reporting - look out for her report on this website early next week. Camping (and FLUSH toilets!) are available for Saturday evening. For full event details and online entry (until 5pm Wednesday) visit www.southernxc.net