SCX introduces early bird entries for 2024
For the first time in its history, the Scottish Cyclocross Series is introducing early bird pricing for the 2024 season in a bid to drive value for both racers and organisers alike.
It’s no secret that inflation is affecting the whole country. The cost of putting on bike races has risen by roughly 25%, with everything from venue hire fees to course tape going up in cost. This means event organisers are having to work to even tighter margins, often worrying about underwriting losses if they don’t hit certain entry numbers.
For racers, it’s a similar story. Food bills, fuel, accommodation - you name it, things are more expensive than they used to be. The last thing we want to do is take the challenges organisers face and pass them onto the riders.
So the SCX committee, with input from our series organisers, have come up with what we hope will be a positive solution, and that is early bird pricing.
Early entries take the financial burden and stress away from organisers, knowing they’ll break even. This then allows them to add the bells and whistles that make a good event a great event. If riders do this, we’ll reward them with a better price.
So how will it work? For 2024 race entries for adults will be £25 and will be non-refundable. However, if you enter more than three weeks before race day, you’ll pay an early bird price of £20. Better still, if you can no longer participate, a full refund will be given if you notify the organiser before the end of the early bird discount period.
There are always exceptions to the rule, and for juniors, we’ll keep the £20 price for the duration, and the same refund rules apply.
We are trialling the scheme this year and have made the decision to allow organisers to set their own prices for Youths and below, and there won’t be an early bird discount this season. The scheme will be reviewed at the end of the season and a decision taken then whether to extend to the younger riders or not.
As was the case last season, entries close at midnight on the Tuesday before the race, no exceptions. Fear not - we know Chatelherault is on a Saturday - all timelines will remain the same as other rounds to keep things simple.
So, what are you waiting for? Enter the season opener at Camperdown Park, Dundee, on Sunday 22nd September now! The clock is ticking…
