This year I have sheltered from blizzards in summer, been inundated with rain at a race known for dry, dusty conditions, trained when others have rested, and rested when others are racing.
So it is not surprising that as Sydney, Australia, is about to launch into summer, a four-race cyclocross series is also starting. ‘Cross is pretty fresh in Australia. Despite efforts by David Brown to start things off in 1999, ‘cross has remained remarkably underground until the past few years. But many cities in Australia hold small groups of people who believed. They knew how to hurt. They knew how to not puncture on 35c tyres offroad. They knew that a ‘cross bike isn’t just a high end commuting bike.
There have been a few race series, with the Dirty Deeds series in Melbourne being suitably run in Winter, and well attended.
The Sydney Summer Prestige Series kicks off with Round One at 8am, at the JJ Melbourne Memorial Field, Terry Hills. The course has steps, grass, sand, mud, and quite a few dismounts. A hardy crew took to the course this Tuesday morning and all confirmed that at race pace it will make for a tough way to start the weekend.
Entry is $10 for Cycling Australia or MTBA licence holders. You can get a day licence for $20. All bikes accepted. More details can be found on the event’s Facebook page.