Cyclo-cross riders get Green light to compete in Shields
CYCLO-CROSS
SOUTH Shields Velo Cycling Club is hosting a Cyclo-Cross North East charity event at the town’s Gypsies Green Recreation Ground on Sunday, December 30 (10.30-4.00).
The meeting will be the first cycling event of this level to be held at Gypsies Green for many years, with more than 250 competitors of all ages expected.
Paul Steadman, Development Officer for South Shields Velo, said: “We hope the course at Gypsies Green will become a permanent fixture in the North East cycling scene and will be used for regional and national events as well as coaching both young and older riders.”
Club secretary Des Young added: “Gypsies Green Stadium is now used regularly by several sporting clubs, bringing a new lease of life to the facility.
“We have been working hard to secure investment in the site and the council and National Trust have been very supportive.
“This event will help raise the profile of our club and the stadium.
Jamie Brady of CXNE said: “South Shields Velo is a young club which has emerged on the CXNE scene and really bought into the ethos of cyclocross.
“The committee of CXNE has been happy to support the development of the club and the site at Gypsies Green.
“We are excited cyclocross is returning to the venue and look forward to many CX events here in the future.”
Cyclo-cross is one of the fastest growing areas of competitive cycling.
CX races take modified road bicycles off road, with obstacles on and off the bike.