The 2017 HSBC UK | National Cross Country Series continues this weekend with the third round taking place at Aske Estate in Richmond, Yorkshire.

Marlena Drozdziok (Scott Eurocycles) heads the women’s standings, following her victory at Wasing Park in the previous round, while Phillip Pearce (BW Cycling) leads the men’s competition, having taken a victory and a second place finish from the series so far.

About the series

The National Cross Country Series is a five-round competition which takes place between April and August, with a rider’s best four scores from the series counting towards their overall total.

The series opened at Pembrey Country Park, with the second round taking place at Wasing Park in Berkshire.

The action heads to Aske Estate this Sunday before round four in Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire in June.

The final round of the 2017 series takes place back in Wales at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells in August.

Elite men

The winner from the second round, Arthur Tropardy (Look Cycling), will not start at Aske Estate so Pearce will look to press home his advantage and go for maximum points.

Returning to the competition after missing the previous round however, is Olympian Grant Ferguson (CST American Eagle Sandd MTB Team), who took third place in the series opener and fifth at the Hadleigh Park International last weekend.

Making his first appearance in the series so far is five-time British cyclo-cross champion Ian Field (Hargroves-Ridley-Montezuma’s); his presence could also have an affect on the final podium.

Elite women

Drozdziok currently leads the standings, following her maiden win at Wasing Park. She will have to ride well to top the podium once more, as Evie Richards returns to the series, following an international break.

The Senior Academy Rider won the first round of the series and will be on the hunt for a second victory at Aske Estate.

Also in the mix will be Kerry MacPhee of Rock and Road who finished in second place in Berkshire, despite taking a heavy fall during the race.

Junior races

Series leader, Ben Healy (Zappi Racing Team) is not racing so there is likely be a new leader of the series by the time the weekend is over.

Cameron Mason (Leslie Bike Shop) and Joshua Hooper (UK-Biking/Bmth Cycleworks) currently sit in second and third place respectively and will be eyeing this race as their opportunity to hit the front.

Returning to the series, after an excellent second-place finish at the Hadleigh Park International, is Cameron Orr (SF Racing), who will doubtless be hoping to reach the top spot on the podium at Aske Estate.

In the junior women’s race, series leader Anna Kay (EDCO Continental) will be hoping to make sure of her position at the top of the standings, with two second place finishes giving her a substantial lead over the competition.

Of the two victors from the previous rounds, only Emily Wadsworth (Beeline Bicycles RT) will return in round three and will be looking to take maximum points from the contest.

Event information

Elite races take place on Sunday, with the women’s competition at 1pm and the men’s race at 3.15pm.

Races last approximately 90 minutes, with riders taking a mass start before negotiating a series of 15-minute laps. Courses are designed to be spectator friendly and events are free to watch.

Start list

How to follow