Cyclocross A Beginners Guide

A Guide to Starting Cyclocross 2023-24

The Cyclocross season begins in September and runs until January and with a number of new members and / or parents wanting to find out more about taking part in the popular local events, here is a brief guide to help you getting started.

Matlock CC is part of the local Forme Notts and Derbys Cyclocross League (NDCXL) which runs between September to January in local park facilities. http://www.ndcxl.org.uk

Cyclo-cross is a fantastic, fun sport … a perfect introduction for youngsters into competitive cycle sport, likewise its a great way for all ages to get and keep fit on a bicycle. Come along and have a look!

Matlock have lots of members of all ages taking part so you won't be on your own! We usually congregate near our club gazebo next to the course so we can cheer each other on during the races. It really is a great family day out in a very friendly atmosphere with race categories for all ages.

Who can take part?
All are welcome to participate in the NDCXL – from beginners to experts, young to old, living in the area or not.

If you are a member of Matlock CC and wish to become an affiliated club member of the NDCXL League to gain priority entry and score league points please buy an NDCXL League Subscription - Affiliated Club Membership here for £2 (includes an admin fee) at the link below:

https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/club/profile/1973/forme-notts-and-derby-cyclocross

(note link may not work in off-season and new link will appear when league is about to start)

Every ride you do with Matlock CC as your club in the NDCXL counts towards the Harry Gould Club Participation Trophy at the end of the season which the club can win - Matlock CC won this trophy for the 2022-23 season!

However you do not have to be a member of a club or British Cycling to have a go – just pay the appropriate entry fee online through the BC website (see priority entry note below)

When online entry for each race opens there will be a 3 week period for affiliated league riders only on a first come first served basis. After this there will be a 1 week period in which the remaining places are open for anyone to enter, again on a first come first served basis.

If you don’t register for individual league affiliation then you are still entitled to enter once the “open” entry period begins (but note you will not be eligible for league points)

NDCXL Races are divided into age categories and have the same format at each event (note a full schedule of the running order of the day is on the NDCXL website):

Age category Start Time Duration Online entry fee / Note On the Day Entry fee is not available.

Under 9 10:00am 7 minutes £3.50 Online pre-entry only through the British Cycling Website

Under 12 10:25am 15 minutes £3.50 Online pre-entry only through the British Cycling Website

Youth 11:25am 25 minutes £9.00 Online pre-entry only through the British Cycling Website

Veteran Men 12:25pm 40 minutes £17.00 Online pre-entry only through the British Cycling Website

Women 13:35pm 40 minutes £12.00 Online pre-entry only through the British Cycling Website

Junior Men, U23s & Senior men 14:45pm 50 minutes £12.00 Online pre-entry only through the British Cycling Website

Note – If you are over 16 and do not have British Cycling membership (proof in the form of a licence will be required) you will need to pay £3 for day insurance – you could consider joining British Cycling. Online Pre-entry is through the British Cycling Website and will close about a week before the event. Also note that gridding of riders takes place at the start line - information is here: http://www.ndcxl.org.uk/new/entry-fees/

What you’ll need:
• a bicycle in good working order, preferably with knobbly tyres – without bar ends (this is a league rule)
• a cycle helmet
• some comfortable sports clothing – senior riders should note that they must ride in their Matlock CC club or plain kit
• if you are a member of British Cycling then you’ll need your membership card/race licence (provisional licence only needed for cyclocross) – but don’t worry if you’re not in a club or not a British Cycling member – you can still ride with day insurance
• some extra time before your race starts to have a ride around your course – an hour is a good guide – you’ll get to chat and see what others are up to!

Where and When?
The event venues are displayed on the NDCXL events page, including postcodes for your sat nav and maps. https://www.ndcxl.org.uk/events-for-2023-24/

The 2023-24 NDCXL calendar dates are below please check the NDCXL site for any updates:
Event Name Location Date

16th September Shipley Park Ilkeston CC

30th September Markeaton Park Cycle Derby

21st October Holme Pierrepont Nottingham Clarion

4th October Middlehills Farm Matlock CC

18th November Unstone near Chesterfield - Bolsover and District CC

3rd December *East Midlands Regional Champs Beaumont Park, Leicester*

16th December Markeaton Park, Derby Derby Mercury RC

*Note that this event is on a Sunday as it is also the regional championship.

2023/24 National Trophy Series:

Round 1: Gypsies Green, South Shields: 7-8 October

Round 2: North West 14-15 October

Round 3: Moorways, Derby: 28 - 29 October

Round 4: Torbay Velopark, Paignton: 11 - 12 November

Round 5: Cyclopark, Gravesend: 9 – 10 December

Round 6: Tong: 6-7 January

2023 National Cyclo-Cross Championships

Callendar Park, Falkirk: 13 - 14 January

Information on how to decide what age category you or your child is in is here:
http://www.ndcxl.org.uk/new/age-categories/

These are the age categories for the 2023-24 Season:

Year of Birth Category

2015-current Under 9

2012-2014 Under 12

2010-2011 Youth – U14

2008-2009 Youth – U16

2006-2007 Junior

2002-2005 Under 23

1984-2001 Senior

1974-1983 Vet 40

1964-1973 Vet 50

1954-1963 Vet 60