These missing winter events would be perfect for the home scene

Winter is traditionally a time to take a break from road racing and prepare for next season.

And while the growth of cyclocross has challenged that scenario, the winter months is still regarded as the 'off season'.

But that doesn't mean this time of year can't be lifted with some new races and the revival of told ones.

Here's five ideas for giving domestic cycling an edge in the period just before and after Christmas.

1. The Carrick-on-Suir Hamper Race

The start of the Carrick Hamper race with @stephenj_roche pic.twitter.com/J76L8Os1dO

— Sean Kelly Cycling (@SeanKellyCyclin) January 21, 2015

During the halcyon days of the Sean Kelly and Stephen Roche era, the Carrick-on-Suir Hamper race grew into a huge pre Christmas outing.

Kelly and Roche lined up with the amateurs to race for their Christmas dinner – not to mention bragging rights – in what was always a hard fought handicapped contest.

With Sam Bennett now the hot hometown boy it would be great to revive the outing.

All the old pros - Kelly, Roche, Earley, Kimmage & Co – could be enticed back to compete against the army of top Irish riders now competing for pro teams abroad and the men and women from the domestic peloton.

2. Return of Phoenix Park ‘Cross

Dublin’s Phoenix Park played host to a St Stephen’s Day cyclocross race for many years, which morphed into an MTB in its latter editions.

While road racing is now banned from the park because of the heavy traffic volume in the evenings, the St Stephen’s Day ‘cross race would interfere with nobody.

And with the cyclocross scene now so big, the event would be a huge occasion; as much for socialising as for the competition.

3. MTB Beach Racing

In places like Belgium and the Netherlands MTB beach racing is popular, with even national titles to fight for.

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The introduction of one of these to the Irish scene – or even a three or four race series – on some of our beautiful beaches would add something unique to the winter scene.

4. Club Cyclocross Championships

Dublin’s Orwell Wheelers recently ran its inaugural club champs; a competitive outing we can’t recall ever seeing on the home scene.

Why not encourage others to follow and hold club championships on the same day all over the country.

It would be a great social outing and might really encourage riders who have never tried the discipline to give it a go.

Clubs without the numbers for their own champs could team up with others for an inter club championships.

The recent Orwell Wheelers cyclocross club champs, above, was won by Eric Downey (Photo: Kieran Doohan - Orwell Wheelers)

5. National Strider Championships

Take a look at the clip below and picture an army of Irish kids milling around a gentle course for (unofficial) national titles.

Just wrap them up warm and point them down the course and you have a great day out for everyone!