A new year, and a new name in cycling promotions will see many of the country's top riders descend on Worcester for the Just Ride Scramble on 1st January 2012, round 11 of the Waldrons West Midlands League.
Just Ride, formerly Choose Cycling, promote their third cyclo-cross at Top Barn Farm, Worcester, which has already hosted 3 popular MTB XC events this year. The venue has top class facilities on site including an excellent cafe, hot showers, and the revised course from the October event, features hurdles, a double rider pit and a Belgian style marquee 'ride through' section of the course all adding to the lakeside venue's distinctly continental feel.
With local professional rider Liam Killeen (Giant), winner of the Midlands Championship, confirmed as a starter, and with the event coming just one week before the National Championships, a top class field is expected. The event is now upgraded to Category B, with extra national ranking points available.
A substantial prize list is on offer thanks to generous support from Back On Track Bikes, Cult Racing Cycles, Nemesis Active, Schwalbe UK and Teme Valley Brewery, who will be on site with a special New Year bar, for those wishing to continue their festive celebrations, or relax whilst watching the action.
Chris Gooch of Teme Valley Brewery, based in Knightwick, Worcestershire said, "We can't think of a better way to start 2012 than joining Just Ride at Top Barn to cheer on some of the regions best cyclists. I recognise the irony of a brewery sponsoring an event where every competitor will have had an early night on New Year's Eve, but the brewery is proud to support local events. Cyclo cross is a fast growing sport in the U.K. with the potential to reach all ages and riding abilities. It is also a terrific spectator sport, so we expect to see a lot of cycling fans on New Year's Day".
Chris Chance, Managing Director of Nemesis Active said, Its great to be supporting the Just Ride team, what a way to start the New Year! Grass roots racing is where the fun starts and is key to our sponsorship programme for 2012
Just Ride specialise in event management and training, lead by former 3 times North West Cyclo-Cross Champion, Mark Leyland. He explains "We have built up a strong working relationship with the team at Top Barn, and following our 2011 events, planning is now underway to include more cyclo-cross, MTB XC and Enduro, as well as an off-road duathlon. We are extremely grateful for all the help the staff at Top Barn have given us in helping our events run so smoothly"
For young 'Dancing On Ice' fans, Top Barn have a synthetic ice rink, which will be open on the day, as well as their inflatable games zone.
Live race commentary and an electronic chip timing results service will all ensure a spectacular day, and a fantastic way to start 2012.
First aid cover on the day thanks to the mountain bike mounted team from ATBRU Search & Rescue.
A £2 per car charge will be made for parking at the venue.
Entry details at : http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/cyclocross/article/cyx20111207-cycle-cross-Just-Ride-Scramble-cyclo-cross-hits-Top-Barn-on-New-Year-s-Day-0