ShamXross, the dedicated cyclocross course track on the Somerdale meadows in Keynsham, will host the final race in the Western Cyclo-Cross League on Sunday 30th January 2022. Over 200 riders of all ages and abilities are expected across 7 races over the day, at this very family-friendly event which is free for spectators.
“We hosted the Regional Championships in November,” said local course designer and director, Kev Brewer, “and five of those who raced went on to podium in their category at the UCI Masters World Championships the following weekend. Our next race at the end of January is the last one of the season for the British Cycling Western League, so we expect a lot of riders to join us. We’re spicing it up a little bit, by running the course “backwards”, reversing the direction. CX is a fun, very friendly sport, definitely type-2-fun if you’re riding hard: it hurts whist you do it, but you always want to do it again. These riders will be making the most of the last race of the season!”
“If you’ve not yet been down to watch one of our events, then the next race should be a classic!” Kev added. “We expect the grass track to be super-muddy, which means lots of thrills and spills as the riders race flat-out on our circuit, over barriers, through the sand pit, in and out of our double spiral, and up and down very slippery banks, for up to one hour.”
“During the last few races we’ve been joined by some brilliant photographers,” said Gwen Edwards, part of the ShamXross team. “They’ve shared some amazing images with us, really capturing the essence of a CX race and our event village, with the added bonus of the iconic Cadburys buildings, and stunning skies over the Somerdale meadows.”
Left: local rider Pete Hannon successfully navigates a path through the sandpit, whilst competing in the Vet 40’s of the Regional CX Championships, held on the ShamXross course on 28th November 2021. Image credit: Pitchside Photography / Paul Paxford.
Right: youth riders compete in the same race. In the foreground a rider “pumps” their bike through the section of the race with “rollers”, a feature of the dedicated cyclocross course, with the iconic Somerdale buildings and Keynsham town behind them. Image credit: Pitchside Photography / Paul Paxford.
Kev added, “Spectators are most welcome and encouraged to make as much noise as possible, it’s all part of the CX vibe, and really spurs the riders on. It’s free to come and watch, and we’ll have food and hot drinks, plus the Somerdale Pavilion will be open for drinks and bar snacks. Put the date in your diary now, and join us in the fresh air down on the Somerdale meadows on the 30th January!”
Full race details and schedule: British Cycling WCCL Round 13
Find more images and details of upcoming events at www.ShamXross.com and @ShamXross on Facebook and Instagram.
Addendum 12th January 2022: due to re-scheduling of the Oldbury Court event (originally 16th January, now 6th February), this ShamXross race on 30th January is no longer the final race of the season.
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