CROSS EVENTS TO RIDE AND WATCH

Cyclo-cross in the UK is thriving. In the last two World Championships, Great Britain have come away with two golds: Evie Richards in the U23 women’s race in 2016, and Tom Pidcock in the junior men’s race in 2017, where his team-mates Dan Tulett and Ben Turner finished second and third respectively.

This autumn and winter there are more than 200 races to compete in or spectate at, up and down the country.

The discipline has enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years, especially in the veteran categories, and an estimated 66,000 competitive rides are set to be ridden in the coming months.

The big leagues

There are a series of regional leagues, and here CW takes a look at four of the most thriving.

Scotland

A decade ago, a cross bike was seldom seen in Scotland, but now the Scottish Cyclo-cross League puts on six races each season. All races are within an hour of each other, and a lot of the courses used are mountain bike-inspired, promising hair-raising rides. www.scottishcx.org.uk

Yorkshire In the league’s eight races, riders accrue points in each that goes towards the hotly-contested Yorkshire Points classification. The area has noticed a Tom Pidcock effect. “We have people of all ages coming up to us and saying they want to do what Tom has done,” Fred Rothwell, league secretary, said. www.yorkshirecyclocross.com

West Midlands Few regions have witnessed the cyclo-cross boom like the West Midlands have. Each of their nine rounds sell out quickly, which is no surprise given the sporting courses. Round five is a highlight, as 400 competitors ride across the hilly fields of Shelsley Walsh. www.wmccl.co.uk

Eastern League Course variety is what is making the 14 events in the Eastern League so popular that many V50 races sell out within hours of entry opening. In the early autumn, courses are dry and fast, but then the wet makes its mark. Hempton Cross in Fakenham uses part of an old quarry. www.easterncross.org.uk

Don’t miss

One of the most iconic events on the calendar, the Koksijde course is known for its long sandpit, gruelling climbs, fast descents and lumpy terrain. The sand always affects the race’s outcome. Round three of the World Cup. www.veloclubk oksijde.be/worldcup/en/ One of the most-attended races with thousands of fans spectating, riders ascend the cobbled climb of the Koppenberg. The off-road sections are twisty, undulating and muddy. There’s a permanent smell of beer and frites. www.koppenbergcross.be