Seconds away… Round 1: Avenham Park, Preston: Event preview and info
September the 18th sees the return of Red Rose Olympics Cyclo-Cross Sunday, building on the success of last year, Avenham Park plays host to the first round of the North West season. The refurbishment and park facility improvement work to the park has now been completed so the course will be slightly different from last year but will still include climbs, steps, fast descents and that all important double pit area. There is a water supply adjacent to the signing on area but we have been asked for competitors not to use generators. 
So it’s back to mobies and buckets of water – but this restriction is part of the conditions for the use of the park. Toilets are also in the central arena along with food and refreshments available from the Pavilion (no muddy shoes please!). Showers are in the same block as last year and we have managed to have the support of the local high school for parking. Please use the school for parking and leave the adjacent residential roads clear. The best way into the park is via London Road opposite the entrance to Preston Pirates BMX track. Follow the Red Rose signs. The school post code is PR1 4XL and is called Christ the King High School.
North West Riders Please bring your 2010 numbers with you – if you want to have a number for the season they will be available from the sign-on tent with a small deposit fee payable to the NW league. If it’s your first time racing you don’t have to purchase a number as day numbers will be available which should be returned after your race.
If you are new to competitive cycling and are under 16 you can enter the Go-Ride Racing event which is designed for novice riders who want to get a feel for what the sport is all about. British Cycling will run a number of race formats between 10.00 and 11.00am on the Go-Ride Racing course.
Lewis Balyckyi Trust Fund
We will be donating £1 for everyone who enters the main 1.00pm race (J,S,W,V) to the Lewis Balyckyi Trust Fund which was set up with three purposes:-
- to help to support an up and coming junior rider for a season
- to give a donation to the North West Air Ambulance
- to work with the Police and road safety groups to educate drivers on cycle safety on the roads
Lewis took part in the Preston race last season and tragically lost his life following a road accident during a training ride in January. There will be a collection point for those who would like to make any further contributions.
Parking and Showers
Parking will be at Christ the King High School, Lawrence Avenue, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 4LX. See below. Please don’t park at the shower block car park as this has been reserved for the mornings football. Showers are located at the Frenchwood entrance to the park as last year (not in the school building) please leave them in good order as we have to pay for their use and want to be able to use them again.
Programme of events:
Go-Ride Racing – 10.00 – 11.00am for Novice Under 16’s (Riders will need a signed parental consent form, available from race HQ, a small selection of bikes and helmets will be made available but riders can use their own bikes and helmets as long as they are in good working order, £1 entry)
- Race 1 – 11:00am Youth Race (Under 16 full course 30 minutes plus 1 lap, £6 entry)
- Race 2 – 12:00 noon Under 12’s (Short course 15 minutes plus 1 lap, Free to enter)
- Race 3 – 1:00pm Juniors, Women, Seniors, Veterans (full course 60 minutes plus 1 lap, £12 entry)
Please Note:
To take part in the main S/J/V/W race will require British Cycling Membership. For details of how to become a British Cycling Member go to www.britishcycling.org.uk or call 0161 274 2070.
If you don’t present a BC membership card on the day, a day membership costing £3 can be purchased from Race HQ in the white gazebo next to the pavilion where all competitors will need to sign-on. This does not apply to Go-Ride Racing events.
Parking for competitors
Christ the King High School, Lawrence Avenue, Preston,
PR1 4LX
Enter the park from London Road opposite Preston Pirates BMX track and follow the Red Rose signs.