The Dalby XC Challenge

The Dalby XC Challenge: Race in the shadow of giants

In April, the best cross-country mountain bikers in the world compete in Dalby Forest. Three months on it’s your turn. On 25th July, Richardsons CC are running The Dalby XC Challenge, using much of the same course elements from the Cross Country World Cup.

On each 5.18-mile lap you’ll sprint across Adderstone field and then dive straight into the trees and Dalby’s snaking singletrack. There are tight corners, rocky steps, big (but roll-able) drop-offs, a bit of North Shore, some nadgery descents, killer climbs, and a rocky, overgrown cleft that looks like the kind of place pygmy dinosaurs lurk. Come along and discover why racers have praised Dalby for its proper, technical XC; this is no cyclo-cross course.

Race for a podium position or just turn up and try to beat your mates. There are categories for juveniles (12-15), youths (16-18), sports (men 19-39), veterans (men 40+) and women (12+), with three introductory Go Race events around Adderstone field for the under-12s. This is not a British Cycling ranking event and you don’t need to be a racing licence to enter: you just need a bike, a helmet, and some bottle.

The pro teams and publicity encampment from April will have long gone. But the chance for glory on that same singletrack remains, whether you’re a keen club rider or a weekend warrior in baggies.

There’s plenty of parking and there will be a catering van on site, as well as a couple of portaloos and some paramedics. The racing starts at 10am and you can sign-on and check out the course from 7am. It costs just £15 to race (£3.50 for the under 12s) and this includes your entry into Dalby Forest (normally £7). Entries are limited to 500 riders.

You can either enter online:

http://www.xcracer.com/raceentry/viewevent.php?event_id=96

or download an entry form and get ready to race. The Dalby XC Challenge: it’s your turn.

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