For anyone who didn’t know what cyclo-cross is it proved a real eye-opener.
A form of bicycle racing, races consist of many laps of a short course featuring a variety of surfaces including wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles requiring the rider to quickly dismount and carry the bike while navigating the obstruction then remount.
Elite and under-23 riders from across Britain navigated the course on Saturday in a bid for the coveted national champions’ jerseys, as did the junior and open veteran 50+ and 60+ riders. On Sunday, youth riders, female veterans and open veteran 40+ riders were racing.
But on both days large crowds of spectators turned out in bitterly cold conditions to cheer on all the riders.
Falkirk Junior Bike Club also played a significant role, helping with the running and organisation of the event – an event which the club said wasn’t just a seismic moment for cycling in Falkirk but actually for Scotland as a whole.
1. British Cycling Cyclo-Cross National Championships
Callendar House provided a backdrop for the event which attracted top riders from across the country. Photo: Scott Louden
2. British Cycling Cyclo-Cross National Championships
Cheering on the competitors in the chilly conditions. Photo: Scott Louden
3. British Cycling Cyclo-Cross National Championships
Thanks to lots of volunteers, the event was voted a huge success. Photo: Scott Louden
4. British Cycling Cyclo-Cross National Championships
Callan the piper was on hand to give the participants a Scottish welcome. Photo: Scott Louden