R3 Shipley preview – can the dominant riders keep it up?

heanor banner After the first two rounds of NDCXL we have had some early indicators of form… 13 categories had the same winner at Markeaton and Hardwick, ranging from U9s through to vet 50s. Maybe the Shipley slopes will mix things up a bit?  With Inter-Area MTB Championships at Hadleigh this weekend, some of the U16s will be absent, opening up opportunity for others in the younger categories.  David Fletcher is (currently) not on the start list… can Chris Metcalfe or Ben Eedy take up the mantle of first senior (or will David remember to get entered in the last few hours at https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/?series_id=144)

Heanor Clarion host a favourite venue. A couple of twists on the classic course are planned. So, expect fast descents and lactate-legs on the climbs. The course is 90% mown and currently dry, although it is a bit damp at the top of the top field. It is a venue that lends itself to spectating with much of the course visible from the pit area.

There will be a £1 parking charge. The venue is signposted and accessed via Shipley Lane (use DE75 7DY). Toilets are in the cricket pavillion; please respect the cricket pitch and do not ride on the square.

If anyone is able to help out, the organisers would welcome a few more marshals.

See you there!

shipley before
Shipley Park looking calm. See that gap? You’re racing through that.