Chilly forecast for Chatelherault
This Saturday we head to Chatelherault for the penultimate round of the 2024 HUPcc Scottish CX series. With everything still to play for ahead of the final series race, which forms part of the Scottish Championships at Irvine, Royal Albert and the Clydesdale Colts are set to host over 450 riders for their first ever Scottish series race.
Whilst this may be it’s first series race, Chatelherault has been a venue for CX races for over 12 years, and has a proven track record of providing interesting and challenging features. Gordon Martin, one of the organisers, was delighted when the Colts and Royal Albert were given the option to host a round of the Scottish series in 2024.
With entry numbers up across the board this season, there are set to be over 470 riders making the trip to Hamilton this weekend.
So what faces them on course, we asked Gordon.
“From a technical perspective, there are lots of adverse cambers, and a good selection of surface changes.” From an endurance standpoint, riders may have to tackle their inner Kate Bush and get “Running up that hill”. We’ve had hamburger hill, the big dipper and heartbreak hill… what’s next?
Although not a racer himself, Gordon has been involved with CX racing for a number of years, and is very enthusiastic about the discipline.
“The variability in the lap sets it apart from track or circuit racing, with conditions changing sometimes between laps, although this may be in part to the traditional Scottish weather, which can see riders facing rain, snow, wind and glorious sunshine all in the space of a 40 minute race!”
That may well be the case this weekend, if the early forecast is anything to go by!
“Venues also differ in terms of what kind of course is on offer; some are more technical, others are hilly, and a lot depends on the terrain, as to whether it is dry or a mud bath.”
This weekend the biggest challenge is likely to be the weather, with temperatures set to be below freezing in the morning, so wrap up warm, and come and enjoy a fantastic days racing.
