The Cyclo-cross season is upon us once again as riders gear up for another thrilling season in the exciting and mud-filled world of the Off-road discipline.

Cyclo-cross continues to grow in Ireland and with the beginning of the 2023-24 season, the Cyclo-cross National Series returns with six rounds of action taking place across the country.

The series kicks off in Belfast, Co. Antrim, on Sunday, September 17th, as VC Glendale host the opening round at Falls Park in what is sure to be a brilliant occasion for riders and supporters alike.

It's sure to be a great day for all the family, with races for riders as young Under 6s and as high as over 60s masters. A 'B Race' for beginners interested in trying out the discipline for the first time and participants can take part on gravel or mountain bikes. .

Here's everything you need to know:

Date and Location

Round One is hosted by VC Glendale and takes place on Sunday, September 17th.

The course is located at Falls Park, Belfast, Co. Antrim.

Schedule

9:50am - Under 6s
10:00am - Under 8s
10:15am - Under 10s
10:35am - Under 12s
11:30am - Under 14s, Under 16s
12:40pm - Women, M50s, M60s, B' race
2:00pm - Junior, Senior, M40s

Categories

Several categories will be included in the Cyclo-cross National Series:

• Under 14 boys
• Under 14 girls
• Under 16 boys
• Under 16 girls
• Junior
• Women (an additional prize for the first unplaced Junior and master)
• Senior
• M40
• M50
• M60

Host clubs may also host additional categories, however their results do not count towards the 2023/24 National Series.

Entries

Entries are open until 8pm on Friday, September 15th.

Quotes Corner

Host club VC Glendale said:

"VC Glendale, the esteemed cycling club founded in 1981 by the late Mark Graham, is thrilled to announce the upcoming round of the Cyclo-cross National Series at Falls Park, Belfast, on Sunday, September 17, 2023. This eagerly anticipated event is set to showcase the club's commitment to promoting cycling and fostering talent within the local community."

"Since its reinvention in 2010 by Colm Watson and Brendan Doherty, VC Glendale has been a driving force in the heart of West Belfast. The club's groundbreaking initiative, the VC Glendale Imps, has successfully introduced children as young as six to mountain biking. Many of these youngsters soon found themselves competing, leading to the growth of the club's senior ranks. With the rising popularity of Cyclo-cross, VC Glendale began hosting races at Falls Park, which quickly gained recognition and support."

"This year, VC Glendale, in partnership with the Belfast City Council and academy sponsors, has elevated the Cyclo-cross race to a National Series event. Anticipated to attract over 300 riders - aged six to sixty-six - this thrilling race promises to captivate spectators and cycling enthusiasts alike. This year’s event will incorporate, with the help of the council, a professionally built bridge to cross, sand pits and challenging steps. For the spectators, Falls Park will host a cycling village with local and national businesses setting up stalls, and a child friendly area to ride bikes and play in the park playground. The club envisions the event as an opportunity to introduce newcomers to the sport while also encouraging them to join VC Glendale Cycling Club in 2024."

2023/24 Cyclo-cross National Series Schedule

17-09-23 VC Glendale Ulster - Belfast, Co. Antrim
14/15-10-23 Clonmel CC Munster - Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
22-10-23 Westport Covey Wheelers Connacht - Westport, Co. Mayo
12-11-23 Upperchurch Drombane CC Munster - Drombane, Co. Tipperary
30-12-23 Bellurgan Wheelers Leinster - Jenkinstown, Co. Louth
07-01-24 Team WORC Leinster - TBC

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More information on the 2023/24 Cyclo-cross National Series is available link here...