This new event was a departure from the usual cyclo cross races which are held in the backwaters of London with very few spectators. Rapha Super Cross was a new experience. Based on an idea by co-organiser Ian Cleverly the aim was to stage an event that a wide variety of people would want to come to - not just the families of the competitors.
This meant having a race at a well known, beautiful setting (Alexandra Palace), with an exciting spectator friendly course. There were races for novices, youths, seniors and elites.
Making the elite event a team race meant that there would be tactical racing in order to have as many team riders as possible finish in the top ranking positions. This would therefore make for a more exciting race, avoid the race being dominated by a couple of riders and would encourage new talent.
To add further to the excitement the novice race included a Tequila Shortcut in which riders could avoid riding a tricky off-camber corner in return for a shot of Tequila before tackling the long grind to the summit of Alexander Palace. Now that was a challenge!
The Course
I contented myself with taking part in the seniors’ race. From the gun, the route was a slog up the side of the hill, zig-zagging through the park to one of the highest points in London. Once at the summit I could not heave a sigh of relief. In front of all the crowds, with legs like jelly I then had to climb off my bike and carry it up a flight of steps.
After the steps there followed a technical descent via a series of switchbacks to reach the bottom and complete the lap. Having disc brakes on my Boardman bike proved very useful on these testing turns!
Doing this a couple of times was not easy, but knuckling down to eight laps of this was an ultimate test for my poor legs. Still, the cheering crowds as I ran over the plank barriers by the bar, and spectators ringing cowbells seemed to spur me on and give a second, third, even fourth wind each time!
This event was great even for those not riding in the event. Ally Pally is known as the birthplace of television since it was from here that the first BBC television programmes were broadcast. Well, the spectacle we cyclo cross racers provided on this Sunday afternoon was just as captivating as any TV show!
As well as the capers from the racers at the Tequila shortcut, there were other amusements like the coconut shy, a DJ, food and lots of Belgian beer. This was definitely a different way to spend a Sunday afternoon, and from the huge turnout of riders and spectators it seems that a number of new people have become hooked on cyclo cross. “And that’s what it’s all about,” according to Mr Cleverly.
I look forward to racing more events like these.
Will I do it again?
Most definitely! This was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon whether as a racer or a spectator.
Good Points
Iconic venue
Pre/post-race entertainment
Crowd support
Bike wash
Easy to reach by public transport
Bad points
Lack of changing facilities
Would you like to do it?
This event will be taking place next year. Check the website for updates on the 2012 date
www.rapha.cc/super-cross
Maria David, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
