Midlands XC R2 - Cannock

Over the last couple of weeks we’ve been pedalling full pelt towards a long hot summer with the sun on our back making the most of dry, dusty trails or so we believed. However that all came to an abrupt halt at the Midlands XC R2 at Cannock Chase where the hot barmy days we were getting used to were replaced by chilly temperatures leaving riders reaching for their thermals, oh and for good measure competitors in the afternoon race had a dowsing of rain changing the miles of singletrack heaven into a battle of balance for some as the top layer of dust, was replaced by a slick, slippery surface.

Despite the downturn in temperature, there was no downturn in competitors, as the Midlands XC series has become one of the hottest tickets around, selling out well in advance of the actual race day. The organisers have opted to use a variety of venues, utilising both new and classic sites. Round 2 was at a real classic venue, Cannock Chase, which has been holding cracking races on and off since the late 80’s.

With a bulging field of entrants, including lots more women, the course carefully crafted from the miles of wicked singletrack with a few nasty stings in the tail, was a great test of fitness and skill.  Each lap comprised of 7km of varied terrain, starting with a real test of sprinting prowess, as you sprinted away from the line up a devious fire road climb, vying for the best position before diving into the first section of singletrack. Soon after riders had to make a judgement of saving a few seconds by braving the puddle of doom, or to take the dry line, it was a 50/50 split and by time the afternoon rains started, I guess it made no difference to how wet you were going to be at the end! Riders experienced a real roller coaster of fun as they rattled in and out of dense forest cover, zip wiring down hillsides, before being spat out onto fast fire roads, to plunge into yet more fun singletrack, occasionally breaking clear of the forest to encounter some strength sapping climbs that seemed to go on forever. Despite the inclement weather the battles were thick and fast.

To read more of this report and how everyone got on click on the BC button above.