Getting into gravity has just gotten easier, with four new clubs embedded at some of Britain’s finest four cross (4X) facilities. This is a landmark year for the sport, with such club development set to grow the 4X community and bring about a much richer competition landscape.
In the north west Harthill Adventure Park will be home to the Northern 4X Club in Cheshire, Redhill in Gloucestershire will host the Midlands MTB Club, Carrick Riders will be based at Falmouth in Cornwall and Chicksands Bike Park 4X Club will be riding at the Bedfordshire venue of the same name.
The new club structure has been driven by British Cycling gravity commission member and current pro 4X rider Scott Beaumont:
“I have always believed that 4X is one of the most accessible and fun cycle sports here in the UK, however we did not have a pathway to take riders from beginners all the way through to elite. Forming the clubs now means we can have club races, regional structure and all the support in place to take riders forwards to national and international competition.”
With a club atmosphere and structured coaching sessions, riders will be able to train together on the purpose-built courses. Having access to such facilities provides riders with invaluable experience racing against others and using equipment such as a start gate.
For those just starting out in the sport the clubs have already provided opportunities to try 4X in a fun, welcoming environment that is full of enthusiasm and experience. The sport is a great route into racing if you own a mountain bike and there is plenty of crossover to other types of riding that makes 4X a brilliant addition to your season.
Josie McFall is the Northern 4X Club Chairwoman and an elite 4X rider:
‘’Having The Northern 4X Club set up has brought riders together from all over the north and created so many new friendships. Riders crossing over from other disciplines has never been easier, with a club structure to help create a pathway and guidance into the sport. It's incredible and I can’t wait to see what will come of the club members after some coaching sessions - and to see how many more new members joining over the coming months.’’
The first step on the talent pathway
Links are already being made to establish these clubs as British Cycling Talent Development Centres, creating more opportunities for riders to take their first step on the talent pathway.
There are also longer term plans for development of the 4X calendar in the respective areas, with intentions for each club to host their own regional races in 2022 culminating in regional championships at the end of the year.
It’s an exciting time to be involved in 4X, with racing back underway and plenty of new riders coming into the sport across all ages and abilities. To take a look at the events coming up to watch or race, visit our event finder. Or find your nearest club involved in 4X.
