Call for events
Those of you who were able to attend the Scottish Cyclocross AGM in February will have heard our ambition to return to a joined up series with ranking points in the 2022-23 season. Realistically, we don’t think things will return to exactly how they were pre-pandemic and we want to help race organisers as much as possible rather than be prescriptive. Last season, although we didn’t have a series we did end up with a lot of racing thanks to the organisers who were able to put on races at relatively short notice.
We are optimistic that there can be even more racing in the coming season and there is therefore a great benefit to all concerned if we can coordinate the calendar to avoid date clashes and to ensure we can promote races effectively. At the AGM there was a lot of discussion about all levels of racing from taster events to National level. All of these contribute to the development of cyclocross in Scotland which is ultimately the purpose of the Scottish Cyclocross Association.
Pulling together a race calendar is always challenging, but there are several goals:-
Have taster races early in the season to allow people the opportunity to enter further races.
Schedule the ranking races in the gaps between the National Trophy races
Schedule “grassroots” races to avoid clashes with other races in Scotland (but not necessarily with the National Trophy Races)
Of course, there is no racing at all without organisers.
If you are considering putting on a race next season, and we hope you are, then we would really like you to get in touch as soon as possible. It doesn’t matter what size of race you are thinking of, or whether dates and venues are still undecided. We can only achieve the above goals by talking!
And for the less experienced organisers amongst you, we can also help support races in a number of ways from timing contracts to a new “Stakemaster” role aimed at managing access to race materials. Half of the committee are or have been race organisers and are always happy to advise.
One final ask. Please share this with anyone else you know in your club or friends who you think might be considering organising a race next year.
Thankyou!
