The 2018 HSBC UK | National Cross Country Series comes to a conclusion this weekend with the final round in Builth Wells.
Elite women
While the women’s title has not officially been won by Kerry MacPhee yet, Sophie Wright (Renvale RT) will not be in action in Builth Wells, handing MacPhee the title.
MacPhee has ridden consistently well throughout this year’s competition, finishing no lower than third in each of her four races so far and will be keen to end the series with a win.
Her main challenge at the Royal Welsh Showground may well come from Evie Richards – the Trek Factory Racing rider making her first appearance in this year’s competition.
Amy-Jo Hansford (Mud Sweat n Gears CC) is currently second in the overall standings and Wright’s absence means she will secure that spot this weekend regardless of her result.
Elite men
Grant Ferguson (CST American Eagle) has already wrapped up the 2018 series title to complete a HSBC UK | National Cross Country Series and HSBC UK | National MTB Cross Country Championships double.
Ferguson, set to represent Great Britain Cycling Team at the European Championships in Glasgow next week, has won each of the last three races and could end on a perfect 240 points with victory on Sunday.
The race for the remaining podium positions looks set to be a three-way battle between Jason Bouttell (KTM UK factory MTB Team), Alexander Welburn (trainSharp Club) and Tom Bell.
All three will be in action in Builth Wells – with Boutell in pole position in the standings for second place so far on 175 points.
Welburn currently sits third on 167 points with Bell in fourth on 155.
Silverback OMX Pro Team’s Frazer Clacherty could break into the podium places with a strong finish – he’s currently in fifth on 116 points having only competed twice in this year’s series.
Schedule
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.
How to follow
- Follow @BritishCycling on Twitter for race results
- Report and gallery will appear on the British Cycling website.
