A Guide to Starting Cyclocross 2024-25
The first cyclocross race event of the new look Grity Notts and Derbys Cyclocross League is fast approaching on Saturday 14th September and entry is open at the link below.
If you are thinking of taking part but would like any help with anything cyclocross please ask any of our coaches and we can help advise and get you or your youngster started. The club really encourage anyone to have a go at this most accessible form of cycle racing which is fun and very friendly whatever your age or ability.
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/305589/Grity-NDCXL-Shipley-Round-1
The Cyclocross season begins in September and runs until January and with a number of new members and / or parents wanting to find out more about taking part in the popular local events, here is a brief guide to help you getting started.
Matlock CC is part of the local Forme Notts and Derbys Cyclocross League (NDCXL) which runs between September to January in local park facilities. http://www.ndcxl.org.uk
Cyclo-cross is a fantastic, fun sport … a perfect introduction for youngsters into competitive cycle sport, likewise its a great way for all ages to get and keep fit on a bicycle. Come along and have a look!
Matlock have lots of members of all ages taking part so you won't be on your own! We usually congregate near our club gazebo next to the course so we can cheer each other on during the races. It really is a great family day out in a very friendly atmosphere with race categories for all ages.
Who can take part?
All are welcome to participate in the NDCXL – from beginners to experts, young to old, living in the area or not.
This season NDCXL is now an Open League which means that there is no need to affiliate separately and all entries will score League points
NDCXL Races are divided into age categories and have the same format at each event (note a full schedule of the running order of the day is on the NDCXL website):
Provisional race schedule for 24-25 (subject to confirmation by the league)
Age category Start Time Duration Online entry fee / Note On the Day Entry fee is not available.
Under 9 10am 7 minutes
Under 12 10:25am 15 minutes
Youth U14 / U16 11:25am 25 minutes
Veteran Men 12:25pm 40 minutes
Female 13:35pm 40 minutes
Senior & Junior Open Men 14:45pm 50 minutes
Note – If you are over 16 and do not have British Cycling membership (proof in the form of a licence will be required) you will need to pay £3 for day insurance – you could consider joining British Cycling. Online Pre-entry is through the British Cycling Website and will close about a week before the event. Entry on the line is available at an increased cost. Also note that gridding of riders takes place at the start line - information is here: http://www.ndcxl.org.uk/new/entry-fees/
What you’ll need:
• a bicycle in good working order, preferably with knobbly tyres – without bar ends (this is a league rule)
• a cycle helmet
• some comfortable sports clothing – senior riders should note that they must ride in their Matlock CC club or plain kit
• if you are a member of British Cycling then you’ll need your membership card/race licence (provisional licence only needed for cyclocross) – but don’t worry if you’re not in a club or not a British Cycling member – you can still ride with day insurance
• some extra time before your race starts to have a ride around your course – an hour is a good guide – you’ll get to chat and see what others are up to!
Where and When?
The event venues are displayed on the NDCXL events page, including postcodes for your sat nav and maps. http://www.ndcxl.org.uk/new/events/
The 2024-25 NDCXL calendar dates will appear on the NDCXL site.
A provisional calendar is below:
14th September Shipley Park
28th September Holme Pierrepont
19th October Darley Moor
2nd November Middlehills (Matlock CC)
9th November Darley Moor
24th November Markeaton Park (Regional Championships)
30th November Markeaton Park
28th December Darley Moor
Information on how to decide what age category you or your child is in is here:
http://www.ndcxl.org.uk/new/age-categories/
These are the age categories for the 2024-25 Season:
Year of Birth Category
2016-current Under 9
2013-2015 Under 12
2011-2012 Youth – U14
2009-2010 Youth – U16
2007-2008 Junior
2003-2006 Under 23
1985-2002 Senior
1975-1984 Vet 40
1965-1974 Vet 50
1955-1964 Vet 60
1955 and earlier Vet 70+
Any questions please just ask as we have lots of experienced members who will be pleased to help............
