Nutcracker 2 Update
Posted: 29th April 2010
The latest news from organisers of the Nutcracker MTB series
After the mudplug at event 1, we've designed an all new course at Aske for Nutcracker 2 that promises minimal mud! We've even put some hills in for an added challenge!
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The venue for Nutcracker 2 is Aske Moor Saw Mill near Richmond, on part of the vast Zetland Estate. The event takes place on Sunday 23rd May. We've tweeked the format slightly and will start the Juniors (17-18) with the Experts and Elites in race 2 at 11am. This race will also see the launch of our "Nutcracker Academy" for the little Sweat Monsters, aimed specifically at the Under 12 and any "Novice" Under 14 & 16 riders wanting to give Mountain Biking a go. British Cycling's Go-Ride coach Alex McLean will be on-hand to direct the Sweat Monsters racing on a separate specifically designed course from 10am onwards and racing will be completely free. The Sweat Monster races will be completely non-ranking but prizes will be given out on the day. We still have the usual Youth (15-16) and Juvenile (13-14) ranking racing in the race proper, who will complete 1 or 2 laps of the main course also starting at 10am. Those competing in this race will be eligible for both British Cycling and Nutcracker Series points and entry into this race is priced at £10 in advance or £15 on the day. Further information on the Sweat Monsters academy will be available later this week on the Nutcracker Website. www.nutcrackermtb.co.uk
The course so far...
Adey's been working like a busy little bee (apart from when he got stranded in Majorca for a week - what a chore!). The course sees a mixture of open grassland, woodland and singletrack. We've also hunted out some trickly little descents to provide a bit of extra excitement! Check out the course walk video on the Nutcracker Series Website homepage: www.nutcrackermtb.co.uk. Action is focused on the main start / finish / car park / HQ field, where Kudu Bikes, Enigmatic Photography, Colombia Bikefood MTB team and BikeLicker catering will all be on hand to provide their service to you. From there, the course crosses a grassy field, before ascending to the "Jockey Cap Plantation" (historical local name - ask us on the day!) and descending again across a field before entering the first singletrack through an evergreen wood. After a few hundred yards of singletrack, it's back onto firetrack for 1/4 mile before hitting a long, fast and winding singletrack through another evergreen wood. Back onto the firetrack after this to climb up through the Aske Moor plantation for approx. 1/2 mile before entering the final and best bit of singletrack - a long, fast, windy descent, which incorporates a fantastic drop off through a gulley. Dropping out onto a firetrack after this and racing alongside a bridleway for around 1/2 mile before taking a sharp left through the ITV Krypton Factor assault course and dropping back into the start / finish area to complete the lap!
