By Caroline Martinez
The cyclocross season has just been extended, with a late date added for Portmarnock in north Dublin on Sunday, December 9th.
The new fixture, organised by Swords CC, falls a fortnight after the concluding event in the Dublin-based Fixx Coffeehouse Supercross Series this coming Sunday in Raheny.
The new ‘Crossmarnock’ race should act as a useful bridge for riders looking to maintain their racing legs for the National Cyclocross Championships in January.
It promises to be a tough event, especially if the wind is blowing in from the coast. The course at Paddy’s Hill features plenty of climbing along with some fast straights, twists and turns.
Crossmarnock is sponsored by http://www.humphriescycles.ie/ with High 5 and the Bracken Clinic in Balbriggan.
Race director Peter Doyle has been planning the race for months.
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"For a few years, I had wondered if there was a course in my local area of Portmarnock where a race could be held." he said
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"When I got injured last summer I realised that I wasn't going to be able to do any of the races so I figured that this winter was the perfect time to finally execute the idea of Crossmarnock."
The popularity of cyclocross has increased over the past couple of years. New racers as well as spectators have been drawn to muddy fields for the Ulster Cyclocross Series and Fixx Supercross Series this autumn.
Just a couple of years ago there were only enough riders to run one race of about forty riders. However, in 2012 there has been enough interest to run A and B races each time, with a need to cap the fields in both for fear too many will enter.
Said Doyle: “If Crossmarnock goes well then I hope to grow it for next year. One thing I have noticed is that there are not many kids or under age riders at any of the races. That's something I hope to address next year."
He also has designs on holding more than one event in 2013.
"We have rain, we have mud and we have an ever growing cycling community hungry for races; I think it suits perfect. Right now I'm looking at some other possible venues for next year on Dublin's north side. I've found one and I have another to scope out. I worked closely with Fingal County Council to secure the venue for this year. They were very helpful and I thank them for their support."
Crossmarnock Cyclocross races - December 9th 2012
- 10.30 Sign on will open (near start/finish).
- 10.45 Course open for practise.
- 11.30 Sign on closed
- 11.30 B race start (no gridding) course closed to other competitors practise!
- 13.00 A race start (no gridding).
- 14.30 Prize giving (tea/sandwiches)
- The B race will be approx 45 mins.
- The A race will be approx 1 hour.
Full details and entry forms are available over at www.crossmarnock.eu
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