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Hoghton Tower, Preston
Updated with details of the course and coaching for young riders, but please see the section about the weather and parking.
Red Rose Olympic Cycling Club will be delivering the first round of this year’s North West Cyclo-Cross season again at Hoghton Tower, Preston for the 3rd year. With help from the guys at Crank It Racing with course design and with some fantastic giveaways from Secret Training, not forgetting the scrumptious catering from the venue kitchens it promises to be a day to remember.
The indoor barn section will be there again doubling up as sign on with the course going through the barn following a short cobbled climb. The course will be much the same layout with a few surprises in store if you have raced there before. The adult category starts will take place at the bottom of the tripod field as last year with the youth, Novice, U12’s, 10’s and 8’s starting in front of the main house.
There is a novice race for those who would like to try out a bit of competitive riding for the first time. Have a look at some photos of last year's race, and check out the movie!
Note: the race times have changed since last season.
The course will be built on Friday the 8th of September. If you would like to help out with the build and get the chance to check out the course the venue will be open from 2.00pm. There is also a Fish and Chip supper for helpers from 6.30pm on Friday evening.
Sign on is in the barn along with registration for the league. For those who have registered for the league don’t forget you also have to sign on for the race as well as collect your transponder pack.
British Cycling HSBC UK Go-Ride Coaches Craig Ansell and Jack Humphreys will be on hand to provide an orientation session for the U12’s,10’s and 8's from 9.30am. This sessions will help those new to cross to get a feel for the course before the main event. Even experienced young riders can pick up a few tips from two coaches who have competed in cross at the highest level.
You may have noticed that the weather isn’t great at the moment and we have poor weather forecast for the weekend. This does have a few implications!
We may have to make some amendments to the course and I’m concerned with the lawned areas in front of the house. If we have to we may fence off these areas so please keep off the grass where it’s fenced off.
We are also experiencing waterlogged fields where our overflow parking has been arranged. We still have a long cinder area within the field but please follow the instructions from the car parking marshals. The club is also liable for any damage to the fields by vehicles. We need to park close to one another so again please help by cooperating with any requests from the marshals.
It’s very important that we look after the venue if we are to return next year.
Everyone will be pleased to know that we have extra parking this year with overflow parking available but it’s still important to park close to one another and please don’t use the car park for rollers as there is plenty of space in the main arena and next to the barn. There will be a one way system in operation so please heed the instructions from the parking marshals and the House will be charging £2 per vehicle on entry. Click the picture to enlarge the map.
Please do not park on the grassed area either side of the main drive up to the house.
The drive will also be closed beyond the entrances to the car parking areas. The usual hard standing parking will be available but please park as close to one another as possible to maximise the space available.
The usual hot and cold drinks and food will again be available so don’t forget to top up before and after your race.
Tilly is a lovely converted horsebox and Tillys owners sell an excellent espresso blend, roasted in Staffordshire. The full range of barista made specialist coffees are available plus a selection of traditional teas, fruit infusions and a most lovely hot chocolate (just right for warming up post race!). There will be a selection of homemade cakes, flapjacks and biscuits (for energy you know …) and Tilly is really looking forward to the racing.
Spectators are welcome and the action is easily accessible, please cross the course using the crossing points. Marshals will be available to direct you. If you are from a cycling club please do bring your gazebo and flags which can be set up in the main arena right in front of the house.
10.30 Youth & Novice, 30 mins
11.20 U8, 10 mins
11.45 U12, 15 mins
11.46 U10, 15 mins
12.30 Veteran 50+ men
12.31 Women
13.30 Veteran 40 / Veteran 45 Men, 40 mins
14.15 Junior, Senior & U23 Men, 50 mins
See the NWCCA Race Categories & Entry Fees page for more details.
