Event: 30 December 2012
Location: World Horse Welfare Centre, Snetterton, Norfolk
If you are a cyclo cross rider, the period between Christmas and New Year can often seem like a wasted opportunity – lots of time and little racing to be found. Doubly troubling for some riders when you factor in that the National Championships are booked 13 January and there’s a National Trophy on the 6 January.
Obviously not everyone has their eyes set on national races but for those racing the Eastern League who do travel to the National Trophies this year the situation was critical. With the last race of 2012 scheduled for 16 December and the first race of the New Year not until 19 January there would have been plenty of opportunity for things to get spare tyre shaped over the festive period.
Slipping neatly into this post Christmas void is the all new Iceni Velo/Duff Morgan Chriss Cross, scheduled for 30th December at World Horse Welfare HQ, just off the A11 near Snetterton motor racing circuit in Norfolk.
Iceni Velo are no strangers to ‘cross racing, with a host of riders racing in the Eastern League and an already successful league race at Broome Heath - promoted by Shaun Aldous - on the 16 December. Last season, the Broome Heath event was voted ‘best in league’ by the riders, so with this new event on 30 December, the club are neatly wrapping up pre-Christmas racing and then kicking off the post- Christmas period in style with an event that has all the makings of becoming another league classic.
The course at World Horse Welfare is being designed by league regulars, Phil and Anna Buick. They both have plenty of experience of National Trophy and National Championship events as well as local racing and keep a keen eye on what happens in Europe so expect a challenging and well laid out course. The start/finish area is immediately next to the car park and the pits are just a short walk away and easily accessible.
As well as traditional ‘cross features the course is making maximum use of the centre’s indoor schooling ring with the double pits located indoors and an equine take on the course hurdles. No bike washing is allowed in the indoor arena so a bike wash area will be provided outside, however bikes should stay pretty clean on the well drained course and a jet washer is unlikely to be necessary.
There is a viewing area for the schooling ring so if the weather is unpleasant spectators can stay warm and dry all day!
There is an on site café which will be providing hot food and drinks throughout the day.
To avoid any race day panic, please do not set your sat nav to the postcode on the World Horse Welfare website as this will bring you to the western end of Ada Cole Avenue via the B1111 – you will not be able to access the car park from this end of the road as it is part of the circuit. Instead, follow the brown tourist signs for WHW off the A11 and approach via the Snetterton circuit exit.
If you need any further information please contact saraflatt@britishcycling.org.uk
