National Cycling Trophy heading for Paignton event

It is all systems go for this weekend’s Fourth Round of the National Trophy Cyclo-Cross Series, with well over 350 riders from all over the UK heading for Paignton’s Velopark. 

Despite the recent wet weather, organisers Mid-Devon CC are optimistic that conditions will be better than the ‘mudfest’ which greeted everyone last year. 

They even held a ‘dress rehearsal’ when the MDCC staged the fifth round of the South West CX League at the venue on Sunday. 

Co-organiser Rob Woodger said: “We only used 25% of the National Trophy course, plus some new areas which held up well and we were really pleased with. 

“When some riders tested the course before last weekend, they reckoned it would be really heavy, but by Sunday it had dried out enough for conditions to be quite fast. 

“We have some rain forecast for Wednesday, but the rest of the week is looking good. 

“There will be a couple of sections where riders will pick up their bikes and run, which everyone accepts, but nowhere near as much as last year.” 

The 366 riders of all ages includes the series leaders of every category, and many of them will bring friends, family and mechanical support staff. 

Woodger said: “The entry is a bit down on last year, but not as much as the first three rounds have experienced upcountry. 

“We obviously would have liked some more, but we’re quite happy with the numbers we have, and there will be good fields in all the races.” 

This second staging of a National Trophy round is part of a drive to turn the Velopark into one of the best permanent cyclo-cross venues in the country. 

It’s costing nearly £15,000, backed by scores of volunteers, to hold the Saturday/Sunday meeting. 

It will make a small loss, but that will be covered by money made from the MDCC’S Dartmoor Classic summer sportive. 

Last Sunday’s SW League round was voted one of the best ever by riders with more than 200 entries, the best of the season. 

Among the winners were the MDCC’s current World Masters champion Robin Delve (O60), fellow veteran Cathy Kilburn and young Matt Holmes, who produced a brilliant performance to register another impressive victory in the Under-14 race.