Dragon XC series news
2008 Calendar
We have the first two races in the 2008 calendar. Round 1 will be at Coed-y-Brenin on February 17 and Round 2 will be at Abergwesyn on March 23rd. Plans are afoot for more rounds at Betws (near Abergavenny), Margam Park (near Port Talbot, South Wales) and Llandegla (North Wales). As soon as we get any further information we'll post it on this site.
Download Round 1 Entry Form or Round 2 Entry Form.
Survey
Thanks to everyone who took the time to fill out the survey. Overall, people were positive about the races themselves (although we still have areas for improvement) but we need to let people know much earlier when they are on! This is a challenge as we obviously have to rely on organisers being willing and able to commit to a date the year (or at least several months) before it happens.
Results of the survey have helped shape our plans for 2008 (see below) and it is something that we will repeat in future to track our progress.
If you would like further details on the results of the survey, please download the Survey Summary (pdf) or Survey free text (Word).
Strategy
The results of the survey (see above) were used to help shape the strategy for Dragon XC races 2008 2010. I presented our draft to Welsh Cycling who has promised to take it to the Board (date yet to be agreed). Debbie Wharton, Chief Executive of Welsh Cycling, is keen to work out ways in which XC racing can be supported within the funding requirements they are obliged to follow. Most of the support we have asked of Welsh Cycling is financial (e.g. for equipment) but some support too (e.g. this web site has been set up by them and they process some of the paperwork). If you are interested in looking at the draft strategy please download the power point document. If you have any comments please let me know. As the strategy develops we will post further information on this site.
Volunteers needed
The Dragon XC series would not happen without the support of many people willing to give up their time (me, the race organisers and officials etc) and this has its drawbacks when it comes to support. At present I am the only person 'officially' co-ordinating events. At the start of 2007 a family situation meant that not much got done to support race organisers. To prevent this happening again, and to spread the load more, I am looking for people to join a small team who can help deliver the Dragon XC strategy. In particular I need people to help with the administration; keeping the web site updated and making sure results are kept up to date.
If you are willing and able to help support the series and influence its success, please let me know. My contact details are below.
Commissaires wanted
Races can't happen without commissaries. If you know anyone who can spare some time on race dates please let me know. My contact details are below. We will provide training, free kit and support. All interested people need is an interest in XC mountain bike racing and a willingness to commissaire only 2-3 races per year.
New website
Welsh Cycling has set up a new web link for Dragon XC racing (www.dragonxc.co.uk). We will use this site to post news and updates on the Dragon XC series. It is up to us to keep it populated with news, stories and pictures so please contribute. My contact details are below.
That's it for now. I hope you all have a great Christmas and here's to a great 2008.
Sarah Whiddett
Dragon XC co-ordinator
01600 860967
Posted 19/12/07