Kildare hosting Leinster Cyclocross Championship this weekend in Kerdiffstown Park

Kerdiffstown Park on the outskirts of Naas has been chosen as the venue to stage an exciting and family-friendly cycling event this coming Sunday, December 7. The Leinster Cyclocross Championships, co-hosted by Kilcullen and Naas Cycling Clubs, under Cycling Ireland Regulations, will showcase one of the most popular forms of winter cycle sport. Numerous titles are up for grabs on the day, from Youth Age Groups right through to Junior, Senior and Masters Categories. Fun races are also on the menu for the youngest age groups. 

The event, in co-operation with Kildare County Council, will see some parts of the southern end of the park in use, particularly near the two reservoirs. Its bowl-like natural amphitheatre is a magnificent venue for spectators and competitors alike. The park is open as per usual on the day and spectators are welcome. For the Cyclocross, a temporary circuit, approximately 2.5km in length, will be erected on site, upon which some obstacles will be encountered that require competitors to carry or shoulder the bike. Over 90% of the route in Kerdiffstown will be on grass, featuring numerous hilly run-ups, very sharp turns and difficult off-camber side-hills. 

For those unfamiliar with the sport, it is best described as a ‘cross’ between cycling and cross country running, often taking place on challenging terrain and in harsh weather conditions, emphasising bike skills, resilience and toughness. Parks and municipal green areas, similar to Kerdiffstown, are very typical of the European venues chosen for these races. Its heartland is the Low Countries of Belgium, The Netherlands and Northern France, but it has an appeal far beyond those shores in recent decades. A young Stephen Roche was the 1979 Irish Champion, before tasting much greater success in subsequent years, including the 1987 Tour de France. Many great cycling champions were born in the Cyclocross fields.   

Racing kicks off just before 10 am and runs right through to the headline event - the Senior and Masters 40 Race - at 2:30 pm. In between, competitors from age 6 to over 60, men and women, boys and girls, will all hope to navigate their way safely to the finish. Councillor Seamie Moore will be on hand for the medal ceremony. Though this is a first for Kerdiffstown, it is hoped that it will appeal to a very broad audience, both competitor and spectator alike and the co-operation of the Council is much appreciated.

More details regarding entry can be found on the Cycling Ireland Events Page (www.cyclingireland.ie/events/find-an-event/) or the ‘Leinster League of Cyclocross’ media pages - both Facebook and Instagram. 

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