Minehead Merlins hosts the third round of the South West Cyclocross League on Sunday 16 September. The course is set on the Dunster polo grounds, with Dunster Castle providing a picturesque backdrop. The full course is approx. 3km in length. It is set on grass with a steep bank to the East providing a tough test for the competitors.

The racing kicks off as usual with the U8s at 10.30, through to the Junior/Senior/Women’s/Vets race at 13.30. The venue lends itself to good viewing for spectators, or the bank is a perfect place for a picnic (weather dependent!).

There is plenty of parking in the adjoining field and it is hoped there will be a selection of coffee/food vans, plus music. Once the racing is over, take the time to visit the beautiful village of Dunster and the Castle (National Trust) itself. Or take a trip on the steam train from nearby Minehead.

Info for Riders

If you’ve already entered, then thank you. If not, please note that online entry closes at midnight this Thursday. So get entered, save yourself some money and get gridded!

Some things about the day:

Please do not park in the car park at Dunster Castle itself. There is plenty of parking at the polo lawns. If you’re coming from Taunton/Bridgwater direction then the lawns are on your left off the A39 on Dunster straight, just before the turning to the castle itself.

If you’re coming from Minehead/Dunster then the lawns are on your right just after the castle turning.

The event should be well signposted.

U8s, U10s/U12s sign on will be open from 9.30am and closes for the U8s at 10.15 and at 10.30 for the U10s/U12s.

Signed on for the Youth and Novice races opens at 10.30am and closes at 11.30am. Sign on for all other races is from 11.30am and closes at 1pm. Please ensure you allow plenty of time for sign on, warm up etc before your race. We find that you usually need to allow more time than you think. Arrive early and avoid the stress!

We don’t have chip timing at the event as we’re old school (actually, we just couldn’t get anyone!).

We hope to do prize giving for the U8s, U10s & U12s at 11.40 after the U10s/12s race.

And prize giving for U14s/16s and Novices at 1pm, with the remaining prizes at 3pm. Timings may slip a little so please bear with us!

We will aim to get full results up as soon as we can after the event.

Numbers to be pinned nice and low on your backs with the small numbers on your left shoulder please. Well positioned, clearly visible numbers will help our laps counters get the results right and (hopefully) prevent your hard earned 18th place becoming 30th!

It would be great to see more novice riders. It’s only 30 minutes of pain, we promise! You can use a CX or MTB. Come and have a go, you may just enjoy it and discover your inner Pidcock or Richards!

We have Tanzie from Epic Veg Kitchen providing drinks and food – have a look at her Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/epicvegkitchen/ - and we guarantee you’ll be tempted. Don’t forget some money. No cashpoints in the fields!

And Olly Stacey is providing the tunes to accompany your pain… sorry ride!

If you’re entering on the day please bring the correct amount of money. You will be issued with a white number. Please ensure that this is handed back before you leave. You will be required to leave your BC licence or £10 as a deposit.

And dogs are welcome on a lead. Oh, and don't forget to visit the castle afterwards. 

See you on Sunday.

The Minehead Merlins