Organiser's Welcome

On behalf of Harrogate Nova Cycling Club, I would like to welcome competitors and spectators to the inaugural running of the Ripley Castle Cyclocross. The first cycling event in Yorkshire in the Tour de France year. Working closely with our kind sponsors, our organising team have worked hard over the last twelve months to bring you a day of exciting, high quality and accessible cyclocross racing. The race is a first for Ripley Castle and our course designer has drawn on the expertise of the Yorkshire Cyclocross Association to create a course that strikes a balance between providing challenging racing for committed riders, yet is still great fun for less experienced riders. Whilst I cannot predict the weather, what is beyond doubt is that Ripley Castle is both a beautiful and spectator friendly venue that can be easily reached from anywhere in the North of England. We really look forward to seeing you on New Year's Day, be it to blow away that hangover, fine tune your race form, or simply have a go on whatever bike you bring.

Steve Smales